The project “Olive-FertiClim” deepens our understanding of the intricate balance between water and nutrient use efficiency in olive orchards. By identifying the optimal balance between these two components, we expect to enhance the resilience of olive trees and olive growers to the ongoing effects of climate change. Additionally, the project seeks to explore the use of multispectral imaging to monitor the hydromineral status of olive orchards, which could pave the way toward precision olive growing. The trials are implemented in two contrasted climatic regions, Meknes and Marrakech, which will provide a better understanding of how different environmental factors affect olive tree growth and productivity. Ultimately, the Olive-FertiClim project develops a sustainable and competitive olive-growing system in Morocco. The findings of this research are expected to make an essential contribution to the olive sector in Morocco and could have a far-reaching impact on other regions grappling with the effects of climate change.

Key results :

• Confirming first year results, growers felt little impact on productivity by reducing NPK fertilization to half of the tree’s nutrient requirements under conditions under conditions of severe water deficit ( 50% crop evapotranspiration.
• Cost-benefit analysis found greater profitability for oil versus fruit production in water-stressed orchards.
• If irrigation was reduced by 50%, neither olive fruit nor olive oil production was deemed profitable.
• Surveys in Meknes and Marrakech regions revealed a gap in farmer knowledge on both water-saving irrigation methods and nutrient management practices.