Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1218203 Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2014 8 Pages PDF
Abstract

•Long-term effect of partial root-zone drying with saline water on olive yield.•Long-term use of saline water increased yield and slightly reduced oil content.•Irrigation induced a slight increase in oil acidity, K232, K270 and oleic acid.•Irrigation regimes affected chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenols and oil stability.•Partial root-zone drying seemed to assure sustainable long-term olive performance.

Long-term effects of partial root-zone drying (PRD) irrigation technique using saline water (6.7 mS cm−1) on olive yield and olive oil composition were investigated. Three irrigation levels were considered: (i) full irrigation (control); (ii) PRD15 and PRD30 irrigated with 50% of water of the control applied on one side and switched every 15 and 30 days, respectively; and (iii) rain-fed conditions. Results showed that accumulated yield significantly increased and oil content decreased with applied irrigation water. Irrigation induced a slight increase in free oil acidity, K232, K270 and oleic acid in contrast to rain-fed treatment. However, it significantly lowered the levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids and phenols, and caused decreases in oil stability as well. Long-term use of saline water to irrigate olive trees significantly improved fresh yield compared to rain-fed treatment, with slight reduction of oil content and olive oil composition. PRD strategy using saline water seems to ensure sustainable long-term olive yield and quality with less salt accumulation in the soil.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Analytical Chemistry
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