The olive grove enters the decisive phase of the season with olives already formed in most producing provinces. This is how Eduardo Prieto de Castro, agricultural engineer at BALAM Agriculture, describes it, confirming that the crop is progressing well from a phenological standpoint: “The olive is already formed in almost all provinces, except Granada, which is running slightly later.”
Pit hardening has not yet begun — a critical moment during which the tree must avoid water stress — marking the start of the first key management decisions.
Irrigated orchards have already begun watering, while rainfed groves “will rely on the water reserves accumulated this winter, which have been significant.” The season therefore begins with a favorable starting point, without limitations in water availability, though some irrigation infrastructures have suffered damage from winter storms.
A Winter of Intense Rainfall with Uneven Effects
Rainfall has been abundant and, in some cases, excessive for the drainage capacity of many farms. “Some orchards remained waterlogged for quite a long time, especially those near rivers that overflowed,” Prieto explains. Mature olive groves have responded well, although some farms required treatments to restore root function and vigor. In young plantations, the impact was greater, requiring specific interventions both in the soil and via foliar applications.
Despite this, flowering has been excellent, the technician confirms. This strong start suggests a production higher than last year’s, though with caution: summer will be decisive, and several risks still lie ahead.
Pests and Diseases: A Year Marked by Prays and Leaf Spot
Prays has once again taken center stage, with highly variable incidence depending on the area. In southern Córdoba and parts of Jaén, pressure has been intense, even into the third generation of the pest. “A treatment is now applied to prevent larvae from emerging and causing fruit drop in September,” Prieto explains. Sevilla and Huelva have also recorded notable pressure.
Regarding diseases, olive leaf spot has shaped the season. Continuous rainfall hindered timely treatments, increasing the presence of the fungus. “There has been a lot of leaf spot due to the rains. It is now almost under control.” Lead spot has also been detected, corrected with spring treatments.
As June arrives, attention shifts to the olive fruit fly — especially in table olive areas — and to other pests such as the spittlebug.
Nutrition: Balancing Solid Fertilization, Fertigation, and Biostimulation
Nutrient management has been particularly complex this year due to the impossibility of entering many orchards during February and March. Prieto outlines his strategy: “Half of the fertilization is applied in solid form, and then from May onward I begin fertigation to supply the remaining NPK units.” This mixed approach ensures a strong start during flowering and fruit set, and allows adjustments later based on crop needs.
Biostimulants are also part of BALAM Agriculture’s recommendations, helping reduce chemical units and improve the availability of nutrients blocked in the soil. “We use bacteria via foliar and soil applications that help break down blocked nutrients so the plant can absorb them more effectively.” This optimizes the fertilization plan and moves the orchard toward more efficient and sustainable management.
Transforming the Olive Grove: Higher Density and More Mechanization
The trend is clear: intensive or high‑density olive groves continue to expand, driven by the need to mechanize harvests amid labor shortages. “We cannot depend on manual labor to harvest olives within a short optimal window,” Prieto notes. In areas with more complex terrain, such as Jaén, transformation is slower, but it is happening.
BALAM Agriculture advises both traditional and intensive olive groves, adapting management to each system and each farm, with weekly or biweekly visits, trapping systems, monitoring, and integrated production certification.
In a year marked by contrasts — abundant flowering, promising fruit set, and at the same time technical challenges that will require precision — the role of BALAM Agriculture becomes decisive. Its advisory model, which integrates everything from plantation planning and irrigation system design to technical management programs and harvest strategy, allows farmers to make informed decisions at every key stage of the cycle. As Eduardo Prieto reminds us, “every process adds up,” and it is precisely this comprehensive vision that makes BALAM Agriculture a partner capable of turning the olive grove’s potential into a solid, efficient, and reliable campaign.
