Olive Growing
Orchard Establishment
It is recommended that olive trees be ordered in the year prior to planting from registered nurseries who are listed with the SAOGA. Trees are usually propagated by means of cuttings (on own roots) by nurseries and supplied in planting bags. Those which are difficult to root from cuttings are sometimes grafted onto rootstocks. There is very little information available locally on the performance of specific rootstocks, but clonal rootstocks are preferred above seedlings because of the variability of the latter. Trees should have a healthy appearance, be about 18 months old, at least 0,5 metres in height and should be planted in late winter or early spring in order to be successfully established in the orchard.
Planting distances will depend on circumstances, but traditionally trees are spaced 4 to 5 metres apart in the row and rows are spaced 6 to 7 metres apart. An alley width of two metres is sufficient for normal orchard traffic. If mechanical harvesting becomes an option, alley width has to accomodate the efficient operation of such machines. Under intensive management trees can be spaced closer and their height reduced accordingly.
In most cases thorough soil preparation is necessary before planting. This entails deep ripping and/or delving criss-cross over the entire area while simultaneously incorporating and mixing the necessary ameliorants such as lime and phosphates according to soil analyses. On a smaller scale, individual planting holes of one cubic metre can be dug and the soil thoroughly mixed with the predetermined amount of rock phosphate, lime and organic material. Consult experts on the soil preparation practice recommended for your specific soil conditions.
Trees are planted as follows: a hole of about a spade width and depth is dug, the planting bag is slit open around the base, which is removed as the tree is placed in the hole, at a level slightly deeper than it was in the bag. Normally the roots are left undisturbed, but if they are growing around in a circle, they should be loosened lightly. The rest of the bag is then removed and the hole filled with soil which is firmed down around the tree. Trees are watered where necessary. Fertilizers are not to be placed in the hole at planting since direct contact can burn the roots.
The tree trunk is protected from sunburn, herbicides and rodents by means of a carton-foil tube. Trees are staked to promote rapid upright growth, and to protect against wind damage. Make use of a sturdy bamboo or wooden stake to which the main leader is loosely tied with a twine. The twine should not be tight around the stem, otherwise the tree will be girdled and die, nor must the tree be right against the post, otherwise no branch development occurs on that side. Use twine that can decompose before it does damage to the growing stem (not polypropylene).News Flash
News
Field day CD (DVD format) incorporating presentations from the last and also previous field days as well as a number of photos of technical interest on sale.
CD's can now also be ordered with new information.
Cost: R150 for non members, R100 members
(postage incl. South Africa only)
Contact The Secretariat at elouise@hortgro.co.za
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SA Olive Award Function 2009
