The effect of different irrigation levels in olive on plant nutrient concentrations in the leaf and fruit yield characteristics

Objective: This research was conducted to investigate the effect of different irrigation levels in olives, on the plant nutrient concentration in the leaf and fruit yield characteristics. Material and Methods: The research was conducted on 27-year-old Gemlik variety olive trees in Akhisar district in 2022. 5 different irrigation levels (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) were examined according to the randomized plot trial design. Plant nutrient concentrations were investigated in leaf samples taken from olive trees in the trial area in June, July, August, September and October. Fruit yield characteristics of fruit samples collected during the harvest period were examined. Results: As a result of leaf analyses, the concentrations of N, P, K and Ca elements in the leaves increased with increasing irrigation levels. Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn elements gave different results depending on irrigation levels. The lowest values of Zn and Mn elements were measured at S4 and S5 irrigation levels. The results regarding the concentration of Cu element in the leaf were found to be statistically insignificant. It has been observed that irrigation levels directly affect fruit yield characteristics. Fruit weight, fruit length and width values increased also with irrigation levels. When fruit flesh and seed weights were examined, the highest values were measured at full irrigation level. Conclusion: The research showed that irrigation levels directly affected fruit yield characteristics. It was found that while irrigation levels had a positive effect on some plant nutrient concentrations in the leaves, they did not affect some nutrient elements.