A new grove owner near Taree, NSW, faces challenges reviving a mature olive grove on heavy clay soil in a high-rainfall region. Here’s a practical guide to restoring soil health, drainage, nutrition, and yield. The grove was abandoned and in need of rejuvenation. See what steps can be considered to bring an olive grove back.

Olive trees often swing between heavy and light crops. This article explains why biennial bearing happens and how growers can manage it for steadier harvests.

While leaves are the primary sites of photosynthesis in plants, bark photosynthesis, also known as corticular photosynthesis, plays a significant role in the carbon economy of woody plants, including olive trees (Olea europaea). This process involves the fixation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by the green tissues in the bark, contributing to the tree's overall photosynthetic capacity, especially under stress conditions.

Lichen is a fascinating organism formed through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. It’s not a single organism, but a composite that relies on both partners to survive. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the algal or bacterial component performs photosynthesis to produce food. read more....

When establishing an olive grove, one of the most critical decisions you will make is the layout of your trees. The arrangement you choose will influence tree health, productivity, and long-term management efficiency. This guide will walk you through key considerations, including aspect, tree spacing, irrigation, harvesting methods, drainage, pruning, and marking out your olive grove.

Girdling (or cincturing) involves removing a narrow strip of bark around the trunk or scaffold of an olive tree to interrupt the flow of carbohydrates to the roots — thereby redirecting energy toward fruit development. When applied correctly, early trials in Israel and Spain reported up to a 40% yield increase and larger fruit size (from 3.9 g to 4.7 g) the following harvest cycle. But the technique carries risks: timing, girdle width, wound heal

The fungal disease Armillaria is responsible for the "white rot" root disease.The Armillaria fungus damages the root system.The fungus survives in the soil until the infected root breaks down. Characteristic white fan-shaped mycelial mats can be seen growing on the wood when the rotting bark is peeled back. Freshly infected roots have a strong mushroom smell. The wood of infected roots is rotted by the fungus, becoming either white and powdery ..

Why are you starting a grove? Is it for business, lifestyle or a combination? What is your plan? i.e. What do you want to achieve?