Landscapes of Oltrepò Pavese Between Olive Groves and History: Building the Olive Orchard of the Future Today

Among the hills of Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese, where olive cultivation is a relatively recent introduction, Azienda Agricola Vercoli is developing an interesting modern olive growing project under the guidance of Agronomist Dr. Vito Vitelli. The objective is not simply to cultivate olive trees, but to establish efficient, sustainable orchards capable of generating income over the long term.

The starting point is the proper training of young trees through the ZaragoZa® system, a methodology that places canopy architecture at the center of orchard management. Following the topping of the young tree at approximately 90–100 cm above the collar, the plant is guided toward the development of a regular trunk and a well balanced multi branched structure. Through topping and edging operations, the formation of numerous well distributed branches is encouraged, creating a canopy that is bright, well ventilated, and easy to manage.

ZaragoZa® Training System

Numerous international studies confirm that proper canopy management improves light interception, increases photosynthetic efficiency, and promotes earlier entry into production. In other words, a tree that is properly structured during its early years will be more productive and less costly to manage throughout its lifespan.

Great attention is also devoted to nutrition. The protocol includes the use of slow release fertilizers combined with composts rich in humified organic matter, which help stimulate root activity and improve soil fertility. Where irrigation systems are available, fertigation enables more precise management of iron, phosphorus, calcium, nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium applications, all essential elements for supporting vegetative growth and future production.

Hillside Olive Orchards 

Another fundamental aspect concerns plant health protection. Pruning wounds are carefully treated with disinfectant mixtures to limit the entry of fungi and bacteria. For diseases such as peacock spot, olive knot, and anthracnose, integrated strategies are adopted that combine preventive sanitation measures with the use of antagonistic microorganisms, which are increasingly employed in modern sustainable plant protection techniques.

Pest management also follows preventive and environmentally friendly principles. Mechanical barriers are applied to the trunk to control vine weevil, while biological products such as Bacillus thuringiensis, pyrethrum, and vegetable oils are used against olive moth, scale insects, and other phytophagous pests.

Particular importance is also given to soil management. In soils subject to summer drought, light superficial cultivation helps reduce water losses through evaporation and improves the efficiency of rainfall utilization. At the same time, weed control prevents unnecessary competition for water and nutrients during the most delicate stages of plant development.

Video

The project also includes a future increase in planting density to improve production efficiency and accelerate canopy coverage of the available space. This decision confirms that modern olive growing must be increasingly based on careful planning rather than improvisation.

The experience of Azienda Agricola Vercoli demonstrates that innovation, sustainability, and proper agronomic management can coexist perfectly. This is the vision promoted by Agronomist Dr. Vito Vitelli: to build olive orchards that are more efficient, resilient, and capable of successfully meeting the challenges of the agriculture of the future.

Editorial Note:

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

Outreach activities carried out in collaboration with: