Mechanical pruning tests and economic analysis in spanish intensive olive growing systems

Modern olive cultivation development is closely connected to the mechanization of pruning operations which, together with harvesting, influence considerably olive-tree yields and productions quality. The objective of the present study is to assess performances, and economic aspects, of mechanized pruning operation in spanish intensive olive-groves. The intensive cultivation system (density of 250-600 trees/ha) is still very effective, and in order to make it more competitive, there is an increasing interest towards pruning interventions made using machines able to carry out both topping and hedging. Tests, carried out in Spain concern two different olive-groves cultivated in pots and in monocone. The technical results of this study will be used to carried out an economic analysis aims to assess the convenience of mechanical innovations in olive farm. The economic efficiency will be evaluated in terms of saving in labour, to investigate the economic validity of technological innovations in olive growing, based on the criteria of intensive fully mechanized cultivation. The obtained advantages through the employment of machines able to carry out topping and hedging, and speed pruning operations, are notable. Indeed, it is possible to prune a hectare of olive-grove in about one hour, as it is demonstrated by the working operating capacity brought out during the tests. The economical analysis carried out shows that the use of these machines is particularly interesting since it allows to effectuate a cultural intervention often neglected because of its high costs.