A study on Bidni olive trees to determine management practices and environmental conditions

Abstract

This study analysed the growth of Bidni olive trees over a six year period by comparing the collected data in 2016, with data collected in 2010 of the same selected trees. In total, 12 sites were analysed. Each grove was analysed separately for its trees’ growth. The sites were then compared (in terms of height and girth) to analyse the growth differences between 2010 and 2016. For each tree, its height, girth, length and width of five leaves were measured. At each site, soil samples were collected and a questionnaire conducted with the land owner to assess the different environmental conditions and management practices affecting the olives’ growth. From the results obtained, it was found that the trees’ growth varied quite significantly at each site, as well between all studied sites. Different environmental factors have led to this variance (such as soil and wind exposure conditions). It was found that different types of land management did not show a significant difference in the olives growth. The alternative hypothesis which states that that the growth of the selected olive trees varies between different trees in the same location and between different sites was accepted.