Irrigazione

Abstract

Irrigation is a relatively new practice in olive orchards where it is becoming more and more common thanks to the positive effects on vegetative growth, yield and product quality. Irrigation is very effective to increase yield and yield components such as fruit size, fruit number and oil content. Moreover, irrigation affects fruit size distribution, pulp-to-pit ratio, phenology and the time of fruit maturation. Irrigation does not influence analytical parameters used for olive oil classification but it affects oil quality and its sensory profile. Abundant soil water availability decreases the concentration of phenolic compounds (in particular secoiridoids) in the oil and enhances some volatile compounds that are responsible for the fruity attributes of virgin olive oils. In order to save water, improve water use efficiency and optimize fruit and oil quality deficit irrigation strategies are to be recommended for water distribution in olive orchards. The major advantages as well as side effects and frequent mistakes occurring in irrigation management are here reviewed to provide growers and experts an easy-to-read, quick guide to the basic issues and new trends of irrigation in olive growing.