Olive Grove Regeneration: From the “Baffo” System to Climate-Controlled Irrigation
The video, filmed on an olive farm in the province of Cagliari, documents a recovery intervention on olive trees previously stressed and affected by root diseases, mainly caused by incorrect water management. video Agronomist Vito Vitelli explains how the conversion of irrigation systems and a new canopy management strategy led to remarkable improvements in plant health and vegetative vigor. video The problem: the “baffo” irrigation system The original system used emitters placed close to the trunk. This solution proved highly detrimental because constant wetting of the collar favored the development of Phytophthora root rot. Excess localized moisture compromised the root system of many plants, making it necessary to replace dead or severely weakened trees. The solution : turning a problem into an opportunity. The adopted strategy was twofold and highly innovative . Conversion into a climate-control system : the old baffo system was not removed but transformed into an aer...