ORGANIC FERTILIZATION OF OLIVE TREE BASED ON SOIL ANALYSIS AND FOLIAR DIAGNOSIS: A CASE STUDY OF AN OLIVE ORCHARD IN THE NORTHWEST OF TUNISIA

<p>The present study aims at developing an organic fertilization program of an olive orchard located in the North-west of Tunisia. Soil analyses showed an acceptable level of P₂O₅ and K₂O in the soil of the studied farm. Based on leaves and olive fruit analyses, the requirements in N, P and K nutrients of the olive tree for a yield of 20 tons per ha were evaluated at 171 kg N/ha, 40 kg P₂O₅/ha and 170 kg K₂O/ha. As for the required nutrient additions to soil, they were evaluated at 133 kg N/ha, 76 kg P₂O₅/ha and 264 kg K₂O/ha. In order to satisfy the needs of the olive tree, organic compost was used as soil amendement. The required compost amendments have been evaluated to 4 tons/ha at the age of 3/6 years, to 10 tons/ha at the age of 6/10 years and to 20 tons/ha at an age greater than 10 years.</p><p>