The University Institute for Research on Olive Grove and Olive Oils (INUO) at the University of Jaén has organized, within the ‘Oliveoilmednet’ project, the seminar ‘Sustainable Precision Agriculture in Olive Groves. Fertigation’. This training session focused on the new tools and technologies available to improve the efficiency and sustainability of olive grove management.
The session, led by Antonio Díaz Aguilar from the company Agroconsulting, delved into the possibilities offered by precision agriculture to optimize resource use in olive farming operations, with a particular focus on water and nutrient management.
A key topic addressed was the use of sensors applied to olive groves to obtain precise information on soil conditions and crop needs. These systems allow for the monitoring of various parameters, providing data that facilitates decision-making more aligned with the actual conditions of each plot.
The event highlighted the potential of sensors and monitoring systems to advance towards more efficient irrigation, enabling adjustments to both the timing and quantity of water supplied based on the olive tree's water requirements. This data-driven management helps avoid unnecessary watering and improves the utilization of this crucial resource for crop sustainability.
Held at the Antigua Escuela de Magisterio (Old Teacher Training School), the seminar also covered fertigation, analyzing the possibilities of applying nutrients through the irrigation system. Combining data from sensors and irrigation systems allows for more precise fertilization strategies, tailored to crop needs and aimed at improving fertilizer use efficiency.
The importance of integrating the various available technological tools was also emphasized to move towards olive grove management models where decision-making is increasingly supported by data obtained directly from the farm. Precision agriculture is presented as a pathway to enhance productive efficiency while reducing consumption and promoting more sustainable resource management.
This activity, part of the project ‘Mediterranean Network for the Promotion of Sustainability & Authenticity in Olive Oil Sector-OliveOilMedNet’, aligns with its objective of promoting sustainability and authenticity in the olive oil sector through cooperation, training, and knowledge exchange in the Mediterranean region.
