Management of Olive Tree Fertilization in Morocco

Abstract

This chapter focuses on olive tree fertilization in Morocco: Describe the practices used by olive growers, diagnose the nutritional status of olive orchards and synthesize the different results and the recommendations of research carried out in Morocco around this theme. Before that, a general overview of the olive tree nutrition and its needs in mineral elements as well as the role of each of these nutrients in the olive tree growth and development will be presented. An introduction to the importance given to the olive tree in national agricultural strategies is necessary. The surveys carried out in the Sais region have shown that farmers do not control olive tree fertilization. This affected negatively the soil fertility level and the olive tree’s nutritional status, which were determined through soil and leaf analyzes. From the results of three field trials, carried out in the Fez-Meknes region, it can be concluded that nitrogen and potassium are the two most important elements for the olive tree nutrition and which can affect both its productivity and its quality. The impact of phosphorus on the crop has not been significant, whereas our farmers provide it in high doses compared to the crop’s need.