Let's prepare the olive grove for the next harvest
Technical Recommendation for October
Ricardo Figueira, our technical and sales consultant in the regions of Bragança and Vila Real, authors the October Recommendation by Hubel Verde.
With the experience of someone who closely follows the field, shares with us his suggestion for this stage of the campaign.
Post-harvest olive grove: it doesn't end at the time of harvesting
The harvest is just one part of the olive grove cycle. After the picking, the plants become weakened: they have lost essential nutrients, suffered cuts and wounds, and are more vulnerable to fungal and bacterial diseases. That is why the post-harvest period in the olive grove should be seen as a strategic opportunity to prepare for the next campaign.
“After the harvest, a copper treatment is essential, but it’s just as important to take advantage of this time to replenish the plants’ nutrients. That’s the only way to ensure they weather the winter in good condition and start the following spring at full strength”, explains Ricardo.
Each crop is unique.
The strategy should be too.
Our agronomists will work with you to develop strategies tailored to the needs
of your farm.
Potassium in olive groves: essential for cold tolerance and spring vigor
Potassium is the nutrient most heavily consumed by olive trees and plays a crucial role in cold hardiness. In addition to improving tolerance to low temperatures, it promotes the transport of sugars and the accumulation of reserves that will sustain vegetative and reproductive growth in the spring.
Active Dry is a leading product in this stage. In addition to potassium, it provides amino acids, carbon, and fulvic acids. These elements work in synergy: they increase the absorption of macro- and micronutrients, provide quick energy, and keep metabolic processes active even when photosynthesis slows down due to cold temperatures.
According to Ricardo, “Active Dry is the smartest choice because, in addition to providing potassium, it helps plants maintain active metabolic processes even when photosynthesis is reduced by cold weather.”
As a result, Active Dry ensures that olive trees enter spring with adequate reserves and greater vitality to begin the new growing season.
Reducing cold damage in the olive grove
Low temperatures cause oxidative stress, generating free radicals that damage plant cells. This results in reduced resistance and a loss of productive potential. Codamix is particularly recommended at this stage because it provides micronutrients that act as enzymatic cofactors in antioxidant metabolism.
“By reducing the damage caused by the cold, we ensure that the olive grove enters the following spring ready for a new campaign in full strength”, says Ricardo.
In practice, Codamix helps minimize the negative effects of winter, ensuring that the olive trees resume growth at the start of the following season under ideal conditions.
Copper treatment in the olive grove: protect against diseases after harvest
Post-harvest plant health is another critical issue. The wounds left by harvesting serve as entry points for pathogens such as olive knot, peacock eye, and fungi.
Applying Cupranova 70 creates a protective film on the tissues, acting as a natural antiseptic. This treatment not only disinfects wounds but also reduces the spread of diseases that compromise future productivity.
Ricardo explains that “Cupranova 70 protects the plant against opportunistic fungi and bacteria, significantly reducing the spread of disease in the olive grove.”
This is an investment that ensures more longevity and health for the olive grove.
Compatibility of products: joint application without risks
Another important point is the compatibility between Active Dry, Codamix, and Cupranova 70. All of these products can be applied together in a single operation, saving time and money and minimizing the number of passes in the field.
This joint application thus becomes an efficient strategy that combines nutrition, protection, and recovery of plants in a single intervention.
Olive grove: a future being prepared in the post-harvest
Replenishing nutrients, strengthening cold resistance, and protecting the olive grove against diseases are crucial steps to start the next campaign with vigor.
In the post-harvest stage, every choice matters.
If you need support to apply these recommendations in your crop, talk to us. The Hubel Verde team is available to assist in the field and adjust strategies to your case.
Contact one of our technicians