Distribution of dry matter and amount of mineral elements in irrigated and non-irrigated olive trees

Soil water deficit modifies physiological and metabolic activity in olive trees and !eads to a different distribution of dry matter and nutrients absorbed by the roots. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of water deficit on the distribution of dry matter between the ifferent olive tree organs and the amount of minerai eIements absorbed from the soli during the first years after pIanting. This study was carried out in Southern ItaIy on ownrooted trees planted in 1992 at distances of 6x6 m. During the first year, the whole plot was irrigated. From 1993 onwards, 38 trees were not irrigated. Significant differences between treatments were observed on dry matter accumulation and partitioning, root-canopy ratio and yield. The results showed that water deficit caused the reduction of canopy growth and the increase of the root-canopy faticoThe total amount of mineraI elements and dry matter was higher in the irrigated plants with respect to the nonirrigated ones.