Olive Leaf Analysis

Compared to other fruit trees, olive trees do not require a large amount of fertilization. Very fertile conditions might be very counterproductive, since it reinforces vegetative growth, but inhibits adequate bloom and fruit set. The correct balance of nutrients is important for optimum harvests.

This is why testing the olive leaves for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), as well as for potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) helps to avoid deficiencies as well as excessive nutrient levels and to maintain the health of the olive grove. Sampling the olive leaves over a number of seasons can help to build up a comprehensive record regarding the fertilization status of the olive grove.

To analyze the leave tissue by FT-NIR spectroscopy for nutrients, a representative amount of leaves is collected and then dried and finely grinded. The analysis is carried out in less than a minute giving you an overview of the most important nutrients.

Soil Analysis

The analysis of soil provides complementary information to the leaf analysis. Here, FT-NIR spectroscopy offers a fast and cost effective tool for analyzing total carbon and total nitrogen in the soil, two parameters that help to better understand and manage the effects of fertilization.