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<pre>> I wish to plant somewhere between 3000 and 4000 olive trees. Can
> some one tell me where I can get a difinitive answer on exactly how
> much water is needed in the first three years after planting
> (assuming 250 trees to ha). If the rainfall in my area is 400mm pa.

I asked a similar question a couple of months ago. The answers I received
were:

The information that I posted was for mature trees. 200-350/Ha. Young
trees require about 20 litres/week over summer to reduce stress. In dry
winter conditions similar amounts are required.

Prof Stan Kailis


The Californian Manual suggests that a mature olive tree is likeliest to
reach its maximum production capacity if it receives 1000mm a year. As the
olive is a Mediterranean tree it probably prefers to receive its rainfall in
a pattern as close to that in the Med as possible. Olives Australia's web
site contains rainfall patterns for many areas in the Med but in short, wet
autumns, cold, damp winters and wet springs followed by dry summers.

Yours,
Dan Burnett


I saw a figure of 4Ml per hectare. In practice I am watering my trees on
hills
soil (contains some clay so water retention is good) at the rate of 35litres
every 2 weeks. Trees are 1 year in the ground. You can also check the leaves
and
also the sol to see if you are doing ok. But I guess you want to plan rather
than check existing trees.
Our rainfall is around 800mm per annum in the wintermonths mainly.

Hope this helps along with the rest of the responses you are sure to get.
Best Regards
Andrew & Val Brown


Based on my local conditions and these three excellent comments, I settled
on 30 litre per hour sprays, run for an hour a week in mild weather and two
to three hours a week in hot dry weather. This is switched off when we get
summer rain.

Regards,

Mike Wilson
Hunter Valley
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