This phenomenon in olive trees involves alternating years of high olive production with years of significantly lower yields, without the cycle necessarily being biennial.
KEY FACT
Early harvesting is the most decisive factor in reducing alternate bearing in olive trees.
Some varieties are more prone to alternate bearing than others, so one solution is to select less alternate-bearing varieties or intermix them, as Suerte Alta does by combining Picual, Hojiblanca, and Picudo.
Techniques to Reduce Alternate Bearing
- Early harvesting: allows the olive tree to recover before new flowering; it is the most decisive factor in controlling alternate bearing.
- Fertilization: a large production consumes a lot of potassium and little nitrate; proper fertilization compensates for this imbalance.
- Irrigation: helps the tree make the most of the applied fertilizer.
- Pruning: after a large harvest, the tree tends to produce little the following year; pruning helps maintain more consistent production.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alternate Bearing
The alternation between years of high and low harvests in olive trees.
By mixing varieties (Picual, Hojiblanca, and Picudo) in its traditional olive grove.
Early harvesting, which allows the tree to recover before the next flowering.
Fertilization, irrigation, and pruning.
