Transition from the Policonic Vase Training System to the High-Density “Vaso Libero Zaragoza” System

This technical guide provides a practical and operational description of the conversion of traditional olive groves, often trained in the Policonic Vase system or rebuilt after traumatic events such as frost damage, severe topping, or abandonment, toward a more modern, rational, and efficient system: the Vaso Libero Zaragoza.

Video

The reference framework is a real field experience conducted and directly supervised by Agronomist Vito Vitelli in the Sabina area, on Leccio del Corno cultivars, within a pedoclimatic context typical of hilly olive growing in Central Italy.

Reform Pruning: from Policonic Structure to a Functional Single Trunk

The first step is structural, not cosmetic. In olive groves trained as Policonic Vases or, even worse, reconstructed with multiple vertical shoots after frost damage, a decisive reform of the basal structure is required, eliminating the multiple and disordered framework.

The operation involves:

• Removing multiple branches originating from the collar;
• Suppressing suckers and competing main branches;
• Selecting a single, well positioned and vigorous central axis (single trunk).

The key factor is height: the single trunk is set at approximately 110 cm above ground level. From this point, the tree restarts its development, gradually forming a free vase or free bush structure, without rigid geometric constraints but fully manageable from an agronomic perspective.

Free does not mean chaotic: the tree must be able to express itself within clearly defined structural limits.

Increasing Planting Density: from Extensive to Truly Intensive

The Zaragoza system cannot function if it remains tied to the wide spacings of traditional olive growing. The classic 6 × 6 m spacing of the Policonic Vase is converted to 6 × 3 m, effectively doubling the number of trees per hectare.

This transition:

• Improves light interception;
• Creates a more uniform productive canopy;
• Transforms the olive grove from a purely landscape element into a rational and efficient production system.

Pruning Strategy: Continuity Instead of Shock

In the Vaso Libero Zaragoza system, pruning represents a shift in philosophy.

Management is not based on sporadic or drastic interventions, but on repeated, coherent, and scheduled micro interventions over time.

Training Pruning

In the early years, for example in three-year-old trees, the objective is to build the architecture of the free vase while maintaining vegetative vigor and accelerating entry into production.

Production Pruning in Mature Trees

Here, a simple and strict rule applies, as defined in the technical approach of Agronomist Vito Vitelli: renew every year 15 to 20 percent of the total canopy.

This means:

• No drastic cuts;
• No sudden canopy emptying;
• Constant renewal of the middle and lower canopy zone;
• Continuous availability of young wood for fruiting.

The result is a tree that produces while simultaneously preparing for the following season, without strong alternation and without vegetative imbalance.

Observed Agronomic Results

On three-year-old trees managed according to this system:

• Vegetative vigor remains high;
• Canopy structure is stable;
• Despite pruning, the tree immediately repositions itself toward production.

In plain terms: no stressed trees, no wasted years. Continuous production, simpler management, and an olive grove that is finally easy to read and interpret

Keywords
#olivegrowing #modernOliveGrove #VasoLiberoZaragoza #olivePruning #oliveGroveReform #intensiveOliveGrowing #LeccioDelCorno #agronomy #modernAgriculture #AgronomistVitoVitelli

Editorial note:

Original content by Agronomist Vito Vitelli, developed and optimized with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational, and technical dissemination purposes.

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