New grower? Or puzzling problem? The Hunter Olive Handbook may have the answer

In 2016 we celebrated the release of the Hunter Olive Handbook, a guide to olive production created by growers for growers. Compiled by the Hunter Olive Association with input from industry experts, the handbook is a practical collection of information and advice based on experience, and has become the ‘go-to’ reference for growers across the country. Since then many groves have changed hands and new growers have entered the industry, so we thought it timely to remind Olivegrower readers about this outstanding resource.

Background

The Hunter Olive Handbook is the result of a long-term project undertaken by the Hunter Olive Association (HOA). Two consecutive years of poor grove performance across the region had seen low crop yields, and for some no crop at all, so the decision was made to investigate the situation, with the aim of providing practical solutions.

“The committee decided that it was important to develop a better understanding of the causative factors and, if possible, to develop guidelines to assist growers to make informed decisions and to take actions to develop sustainable production levels,” HOA Past President Peter O’Meara said.

To that end, 10 member growers worked with experts on a study of the effects of grove practices, inputs and outputs on yields. The results form the basis of the Hunter Olive Handbook, which documents the findings of the study and suggests practical and strategic initiatives for improvement based on the collated evidence.

The 130+ pages are filled with practical, user-friendly information and advice based on real-life industry experience, making it a ‘musthave’ reference for any current or potential small-scale olive grower.

Generic relevance

O’Meara said the handbook has relevance far wider than just the Hunter region.

“It is designed to be a practical reference guide for smaller growers and, while most of the numeric content is based on data observed in the Hunter, all of the generalised data and commentary is applicable anywhere,” he said.

“This book is both a primer as well as a handy reference book for smaller growers, and response has been positive in terms of its value as a hands-on tool for problem-solving and improvement.

“It is an educative handbook for those growing olives and for those who are thinking about doing so. The guidelines are practical, factual and concise, and aim to provide easily-referenced information and guidance to small grove owners, who make up the majority of Australia’s olive growers.”

Content

The handbook is divided into 13 chapters under five main topics:

The Fundamentals looks at establishing and maintaining a productive olive grove. Olive varieties are a major focus, reflecting the varietal issues identified in the study and the importance of ensuring both purpose and site suitability.

Grove Management moves on to the “house-keeping” topics of irrigation, inputs, pruning and pests and diseases, providing information on requirements, causative factors, programs and strategies respectively. It’s all straightforward and practical, and those having problems with pests and diseases will find the images provide invaluable assistance with identification.

Harvesting and Processing are each self-contained chapters, covering timing, equipment and process options, and the considerations involved in each. Processes for oil and table olive fruit are covered separately, providing much-needed information for those joining the move towards table olive production.

Annual Activity Schedules reflects the increasing recognition that olives are not the fabled “no input” or even “low input” crop, but need ongoing and consistent management to produce viable yields. From an annual calendar of grove activities, through production and revenue benchmarks and on to record keeping, it’s a detailed “follow the dots” to how to improve your olive growing business.

Strategic Considerations wraps it all up, setting out the critical elements of a commercially viable enterprise. It raises some tough but crucial questions - and, like the rest of the chapters, provides relevant and practical information to assist in finding the answers.

Do I need it?

That’s easy: if you want help in growing healthy trees with a good yield, and running a commercially viable grove and/or brand, all set out in a user-friendly, practical reference, then the answer is an unequivocal yes.

Get your copy

The Hunter Olive Handbook is available in printable pdf format for $25 incl GST. Copies can be ordered from HOA Treasurer Alan Smith at treasurer@hunterolives.asn.au and you can download a free sample from the HOA website - www.hunterolives.asn.au - Resources - Hunter Olive Handbook.

The HOA have also generously provided the following excerpt as an example of the invaluable information contained in the Handbook.

EXCERPT

Chapter 5: Nutrition

Olive tree nutrient requirements

Nutrient requirements for olives vary throughout the seasons. Certain elements and trace elements are required in larger quantities at different times of the year for specific physiological functions.

In order to determine the nutritional requirements for a specific variety leaf samples must be taken in January every year.

Collect the youngest mature leaves at mid portion of the current season ’ s nonfruiting laterals (extension growth) taken at shoulder height. Usually these leaves represent the third and fourth pair from the tip of the twig. With the data obtained from the leaf tests it is possible to identify deficiencies before they have a major impact on yields. The following table shows the leaf test results for 2009 and 2010 from Corregiola samples supplied by a grower in the Hunter.

Guide

and Fertiliser Programs

Collect the youngest mature leaves at mid portion of the current season’s nonfruiting laterals (extension growth) taken at shoulder height. Usually these leaves represent the third and fourth pair from the tip of the twig. With the data obtained from the leaf tests it is possible to identify deficiencies before they have a major impact on yields. The following table shows the leaf test results for 2009 and 2010 from Corregiola samples supplied by a grower in the Hunter.

Corregiola S2

2009 2010 Trend

Nitrogen (%)

1.5

1.72 2.03

0.31

Olive leaf sampling procedure It is important to take representative leaf samples, as they would show different nutrient levels depending on the position along the branch. To ensure the data obtained is representative of the nutritional condition of the tree, it is necessary to use a uniform sampling procedure:

Phosphorus (%) Potassium (%) Calcium (%) Magnesium (%) Sulphur (%)

Boron

(ppm) Copper (ppm)

Iron

(ppm)

0.1 0.8 1 0.1 0.1 19 4 50

0.2 0.17 1.54 1.3 1.2 1.17 0.15 0.19 0.16 0.18 21 23 5.4 6.7 65 72

Manganese (ppm)

20

17 18

Molybdenum (ppm) Zinc (ppm)

10

18 14 Sodium (%) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 Chloride (%) <1.0 0.17 0.19

-0.03 -0.24 -0.03 0.04 0.02 2.00 1.30 7.00 1.00

-4.00

0.02

Based on the above data it is possible to observe trends in nutrient levels which enables growers and consultants to modify the fertilizer program to suit the tree needs. Based on the above data it is possible to observe trends in nutrient levels which enables growers and consultants to modify the fertilizer program to suit the tree needs.

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Potassium (K): high amounts of K are removed from the soil at harvest and pruning times. It is required to maximize yield and quality of fruit. Potassium is used in the formation of sugars and starches and a deficiency increases transpiration rate so affecting water management. A safe diagnosis is also best detected by the chemical diagnosis of the leaves. Secondary and Trace Elements

Boron (B): essential in soil at time of bud burst and flowering Calcium (Ca): important for plant growth, fruit set and fruit ripening Summary – when to apply Fertilisers: • Shoot growth = Nitrogen (N) + Calcium (Ca) • Bud break = Nitrogen (N) + Boron (B) • Flowering = Boron (B) • Fruit set = Nitrogen (N) + Potassium (K) + Calcium (Ca) • Pit hardening and fruit growth = Potassium (K) • Fruit ripening = Calcium (Ca) + Potassium (K) The above information is presented in the nutrient application chart below proportional to 100% of total application.

can be seen only Nitrogen levels have increased, while Phophorous, Potassium d Calcium have decreased. The Fertilizer program must take this information into ount in order to rectify the trend. This can be achieved by increasing the pication of fertilizers that contain the elements that are trending negatively.

e Essential Nutrients for Olives

trogen (N): exists in various chemical forms. It is a component of chlorophyll and ential for photosynthesis and it is a basic element of plant protein that is portant in periods of rapid plant growth23 . Nitrogen is absorbed by the plant ough the roots. It leaches readily, and overuse will result in excessive shoot wth. A nitrogen deficit will show yellowing in the older leaves and a lack of new wth. osphorus (P): one of the 3 primary nutrients. Australian soils are very low in atural P and it is unavailable in many soils. It is important for a strong root system d aids in the maturation of the plant. It can help increase disease resistance and ought stress. Phosphorus also influences flower setting. Deficiencies may be seen purple pigments in the leaves and chlorosis24 of the leaves. But this can be onfused with the symptoms of an Nitrogen deficiency. A safe diagnosis can be ound by chemical diagnosis of the leaves.

Trend Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium and Calcium levels – Chart

As can be seen only Nitrogen levels have increased, while Phophorous, Potassium and Calcium have decreased. The fertilizer program must take this information into account in order to rectify the trend. This can be achieved by increasing the appication of fertilizers that contain the elements that are trending negatively. The Essential Nutrients for Olives

Nitrogen (N): exists in various chemical forms. It is a component of chlorophyll and essential for photosynthesis and it is a basic element of plant protein that is important Element SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR in periods of rapid plant growth. Nitrogen Nitrogen 10% 0% 10% 15% 15% 20% 30% 0% is absorbed by the plant through the roots. It leaches readily, and overuse will result in Phosphorus 5% 15% 20% 15% 15% 15% 10% 5% excessive shoot growth. A nitrogen deficit will show yellowing in the older leaves and a Potassium 5% 5% 20% 20% 25% 15% 5% 5% lack of new growth. Phosphorus (P): one of the 3 primary Calcium 5% 10% 15% 20% 20% 15% 5% 5% nutrients. Australian soils are very low in To use the table below as an example: 150g /ha required = 100% therefore 10% =15g 200g /ha required = 100% therefore 10% = 20g

natural P and it is unavailable in many soils. It is important for a strong root system and aids in the maturation of the plant. It can help increase disease resistance and drought stress. Phosphorus also influences flower setting. Deficiencies may be seen by purple pigments in the leaves and chlorosis of the leaves. But this can be confused with the symptoms of an Nitrogen deficiency. A safe diagnosis can be found by chemical diagnosis of the leaves.

Potassium (K): high amounts of K are removed from the soil at harvest and pruning times. It is required to maximize yield and quality of fruit. Potassium is used in the formation of sugars and starches and a deficiency increases transpiration rate so affecting water management. A safe diagnosis is also best detected by the chemical diagnosis of the leaves. Secondary and Trace Elements Boron (B): essential in soil at time of bud burst and flowering Calcium (Ca): important for plant growth, fruit set and fruit ripening Summary – when to apply fertilisers: • Shoot growth = Nitrogen (N) + Calcium (Ca) • Bud break = Nitrogen (N) + Boron (B) • Flowering = Boron (B) • Fruit set = Nitrogen (N) + Potassium (K) + Calcium (Ca) • Pit hardening and fruit growth = Potassium (K) • Fruit ripening = Calcium (Ca) + Potassium (K) The below information is presented in the nutrient application chart proportional to 100% of total application. The chapter then continues with a general guide to nutrient coverage quantities, and discussion around the objectives of a fertiliser program and factors affecting fertiliser quantities. It’s a step-by-step guide to better nutrition for your trees, so get a copy now and get reading!

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tp://hsc.csu.edu.au/agriculture/production/3363/nitrogen.htm lorosis: yellowing of the leaves due to the lack of chlorophyll