Olives in Super High Density
SHD Olive Crops
The Super High Density olive grove is a revolutionary new agronomic model driven by Agromillora for over 30 years in an effort to solve many of the problems that faced by growers in traditional crops. Our system translates into much more profitable and efficient crops for our customers.
Acres of SHD Olive crops in the world
Super High Density Olive Grove Features
1
Planting pattern
The most widespread planting patterns currently vary between 3-4 m row distance and 1-1.5 m between trees. This implies planting densities of above 1,600 plants/ha. Choosing a suitable plantation pattern suitable for the agro-climatic features of the area in question and the variety of choice is paramount to the success of the plantation.
2
Crop quality
The mechanized harvesting that takes place in the SHD olive grove ensures that fruits can be collected in proper ripening conditions with minimal damage and allows a quick delivery to the mill for grinding. These factors are important when in order obtain extra virgin olive oil (100% extra virgin olive oil) boasting outstanding organoleptic qualities.
3
Production
Entry into production is very fast. In the third year of planting yield is 3-4 t/ha. The results obtained in these years of experience in different olive-growing areas result in sustained yield values of between 8-12 t/ha. In warm-area plantations, and under appropriate crop management, yields can reach up to 16 t/ha.
System features
SHD Olive Crops
- Clonal propagation of dwarf varieties.
- Varieties featuring fast entry into production.
- Planting patterns (3-4 x 1-1.5 m). High planting density (+1,600 plants/ha).
- Orientation: N-S orientation makes it possible to reduce the street width without shading.
- Harvesting with over-the-row machine.
- Fully mechanised pruning.
Advantages
SHD Olive Crops
- Higher productivity per unit of area.
- Total mechanisation from the moment of planting, with the aim of reducing costs and labour.
- Early entry into production, with faster amortisation of the investment.
- Less cultivation work and labour, which is increasingly scarce and costly.
- Fully mechanised harvesting: Increase in speed and efficiency using over-the-row machines.
- High quality of the oil obtained, 100% extra virgin
Smarttree Features
SHD Olive Crops
- Total mechanisation from the moment of planting, unlike the central axis layout, which implies significant labour savings.
- Maximum genetic and health quality.
- Shorter nursery production time.
- Plant, 60 cm high with numerous branches from 50 cm, with stake.
- Strong root system and developed in inert substrate.
- Plant provided with a plastic protector to protect it from the use of herbicides at the moment of planting and avoiding suckers.
- Ease of transportation and planting.
- Efficiency of the production process
Mechanized Planting
Planting in SHD systems is a highly efficient and highly technical process. Prior to planting, the soil is prepared (with a slope not exceeding 20%), varieties are chosen, and the plantation pattern/orientation of rows designed. Currently, Smarttree plants featuring a plastic protector offer plantation yields that exceed 6,000 plants/day.
Mechanized Pruning
Pruning is certainly one of the key tasks in olive groves and other fruit trees. The SHD system allows mechanising pruning, significantly reducing operating costs. By using our revolutionary Smarttree plant, pruning can be machined completely, thereby considerably boosting crop profitability. The objective of pruning is to keep the olive tree productive, ensuring a correct wood-leaf ratio and keeping it at the right size for the harvesting machine.
Mechanized Harvesting
100% mechanised harvesting. The same over-the-row machines used for harvesting grapes are employed. This system ensures that 98% of fruits are harvested resulting in minimal damage to both the olive and the tree. Yields may reach 1.5-2 hours/ha and harvesting costs range between 0.03-0.06 €/kg. This type of harvesting allows harvesting olives in a proper state of ripening and rapid delivery of the fruits to the mill for grinding, decreasing potential deterioration and possible undesirable flavours in the oil.
Hedge Formation
The traditional super high density system, featuring the central axis layout, has become a thing of the past, superseded by Agromillora’s new Smarttree free plant formation system. The new system allows full mechanisation of the work related to planting and hedge formation and pruning, resulting in a major cost reduction.
Olive Tree Varieties compatible with SHD Cultivation
Choosing the right variety is one of the core aspects to achieve the objectives of an SHD plantation. We have six varieties for this system to suit different agro-climatic and crop conditions which likewise meet the stringent demands of the olive sector.
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