The main objective of this project is to evaluate the application of fully mechanised pruning in olive cultivation, determining its effectiveness in optimising vegetative growth and production in both intensive and traditional olive plantations. The aim is to compare this system with the conventional pruning system in moto sierra at an agronomic, productive and economic level.
The duration of the project is from January 2025 to May 2026, although it contemplates studying the 2024 and 2026 campaigns.
Objectives
The specific objectives of this project are as follows:
• To have several field trials to study under real conditions the adaptation of the olive crop in the areas of Baix Camp, Terra Alta and Baix Ebre – Montsià and the varieties arbequina, grafting and red palm weevil in the different pruning practices (manual vs. fully mechanised).
• To quantify the effect of mechanical and manual pruning on the water status and transpiration of the different olive varieties using innovative remote sensing technologies.
• To quantify the effect on the vegetative, productive, economic and sustainability performance of the fully mechanised pruning system compared to the manual pruning system in moto sierra.
• Improve the profitability of plantations by reducing labour costs and time invested.
• Increase oil production per surface area by reducing the period of reproductive alternation.
• To optimise the flow of information and organise efficient communication with companies and producers in areas with olive-growing activities (both in Catalonia and other European regions).
Participating cooperatives
Agrícola del Campo Santa Bárbara, with the role of leader of the Operational Group, COSELVA and Unió Fruits.
Project partners
In addition to the participating cooperatives, other partners in the project are the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of Catalonia, acting as coordinator of the Operational Group; the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), as the research centre; and the company Viveros de Abel, which is not a member of the Operational Group but will provide support in certain activities.
Expected results
• To have 3 demonstration farms in mechanical pruning that will allow the study of the same for a possible extrapolation to other farms and holdings in the different areas.• To determine in real field conditions the olive tree yield using different pruning practices (mechanised vs. manual).
• To have information on the carbon footprint and sustainability indices of each pruning system.
• To have objective data on the feasibility and limitations of the methodology in order to be able to recommend the fully mechanised pruning technique.
• Obtain an assessment of the water response of each variety.
• To make the data and results available to farmers for on-line consultation.
Action of the PAC Strategic Plan 2023-2027 co-financed by:
