Olive (Olea europaea L.) Root Growth in Soil Sectors with Olive Husks and Hay Residues

• Published in: International journal of fruit science Vol. 7; no. 4; pp. 19 - 32
• Main Authors: Giorgi, Veronica, Neri, Davide, Maria Lodolini, Enrico, Massetani, Francesca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 29.05.2008
• Subjects: Niche-effect; phytotoxicity; root transmigration capacity; split-root
• ISSN: 1553-8362; 1553-8621
• DOI: 10.1080/15538360802003209

Olive oil by-products have an important fertilizing value due to their high organic matter and nutrient content; however, they also possess a phytotoxic effect. Therefore, it is necessary to study the reaction of plants and, more specifically, the roots of olive trees to the presence of husks used as amendment in olive orchards. In this experimental work olive plants were grown in split-pots in which the roots were divided in four sectors and grown in different substrates. Husks, hay, and a mixture of the two was added to a soil substrate to simulate growing conditions in an olive orchard with green mulching. Results showed that olive roots performed differently in the different substrates. Husk substrates were avoided if a husk-free section was present. If not, the plants stopped growing and half of them perished. If hay was added with husks the toxic effect was reduced. It can be argued that in the field, olive plants, thanks to their great transmigration capacity, may be able to avoid the patches amended with husks, but repeated treatments with husks could cause shoot growth problems because it would be more difficult for roots to find optimal substrate to continue their growth.