La Evolución del Olivar: El Vaso Libre “Zaragoza” en Rieti

In the Italian olive tree panorama, tradition represents a fundamental value, but today it is not sufficient on its own to guarantee economic and technical sustainability. Innovation is therefore converted into a concrete necessity.  A clear example of this evolution is from the province of Rieti, where an olive tree crop has been replanted according to modern, functional and sustainable criteria.

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The analyzed project is centered on the traditional open cup system inspired by the Zaragoza principles , a solution capable of combining productivity, simplicity in management and adaptation to the current needs of olive growing.

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The transformation of the crop: from 6×6 to 6×3

The cultivation object of observation is formed by plants of Leccio del Corno approximately three years ago, initially placed with a traditional frame of 6 × 6 meters, typical of the “Policónico” vase.

The intervention consisted of an increase in the density of the crop , moving to a mark of 6 × 3 metres, with a new structural arrangement based on the free Zaragoza pot.

The main features of the system are:

·   Structure in cup, with wide central opening.

·   Distribution of branches in the crown, to favor the vegetative-productive balance.

·   Natural containment of vegetative growth, favoring higher density.

·   Better management of the root-root relationship, with more balanced and less vigorous plants in excess.

The objective is not to force the plant, but to guide it into a more efficient, stable and productive shape .

Why go beyond the “Policónico tradicional” vase

The “Policonic” vessel, although historically valid, presents many different operational limitations, especially in the context where operating costs affect profitability in a decisive way.

Among the main difficulties:

·   Operational complications related to the height of the plants.

·   Mayor completed on the poda.

·   Less compatibility with mechanics.

·   High handling and collection costs.

The free jar in the cup represents a concrete response to these limitations, offering immediate information:

·   Handle completely off the ground, more safely and quickly.

·   Ease of mechanics, both for the foot and for collection.

·   Early entry into production.

·   Greater uniformity of the plants.

If it is a system designed for modern olive growing , where efficiency and sustainability must arise.

Real sustainability: producing more, consuming less

Uno de los aspectos más interesantes de esta experiencia se refiere al propio concepto de sostenibilidad.

Contrariamente a lo que se suele pensar, aumentar la densidad del cultivo no significa necesariamente sobreexplotar el suelo. Al contrario:

·  Una mayor producción por hectárea reduce el consumo total de suelo.

·  Se obtiene más aceite con menos superficie cultivada.

·  Se reducen los pases de maquinaria agrícola.

·  Disminuyen los costos energéticos y ambientales por unidad de producto.

La verdadera sostenibilidad no consiste en producir poco en grandes superficies, sino en optimizar los recursos disponibles, mejorando la eficiencia agronómica global.

Conclusión: libertad para la planta

La experiencia de Rieti demuestra que no existen modelos rígidos y universales. Cada sistema debe adaptarse al contexto pedoclimático, a la variedad y a los objetivos de la explotación.

El vaso libre Zaragoza representa una filosofía antes que una técnica: una estructura que deja a la planta el espacio para expresarse, pero dentro de reglas precisas, funcionales a la producción moderna.

Una planta libre, pero guiada.Una forma simple, pero extremadamente eficiente. Un modelo que mira al futuro de la olivicultura.

Palabras clave:
#olivicultura #vasolibre #sistemazaragoza #olivar #oliviculturamoderna #gestiondelacopa #oliviculturasostenible #Leccino #LecciodelCorno #agriculturainnovadora #AgrónomoVitoVitelli

Nota editorial:

Contenido original por el Agrónomo Vito Vitelli, elaborado y optimizado con el apoyo de herramientas de inteligencia artificial con fines divulgativos, informativos y de valorización técnica.

Actividad divulgativa realizada en colaboración con: