Advantages of olive and fig tree companionship
Advantages of olive and fig tree companionship
Some techniques of the past originated from ancient and consolidated observations that led, therefore, to the application of consolidated and functional practices.
One of these techniques was to plant fig trees (Ficus carica L., 1753) next to olive trees (Olea europaea L., 1753).
This technique represents a natural and sustainable strategy to protect crops from the feared olive fly (Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790).
This technique is linked to the fact that the fig tree is able to attract the olive fly (which can cause considerable damage to the olive tree) thanks to the particularly sweet smell of its fruits.
In the presence of fig trees, the fly, attracted by the fragrance, moves from the olive trees to the figs, thus abandoning the plant of origin.
When the insect comes into contact with the fig fruit, the honey released by the fruit proves fatal for the insect, killing it instantly.
In practice, the fig fruits represent a natural and lethal “insecticide” against the olive fly which represents one of the main threats to olive groves. For this reason, in agroecological systems it is advisable to plant a certain number of fig trees which, in fact, manage to reduce the use of chemical insecticides, safeguarding the environment and ensuring a production healthier and more organic.
In general, it is recommended to plant one fig tree for every four olive trees, a layout designed to maximize the effectiveness of this natural protection.
This technique can also be very useful in biodiverse production systems where the fig and olive tree can represent the basic system for inserting productive hedges and grassing systems with legumes and other species.
In this context, the fig becomes a valuable ally, capable of offering natural and sustainable protection.
Economic and ecological advantages –
Furthermore, the association between the fig and the olive tree offers several agronomic and ecological advantages, including:
1. Optimization of space and resources
The fig tree has a more expansive crown and tends to develop in width, while the olive tree grows taller. This allows for efficient use of space without excessive competition for sunlight.
The root system of the olive tree is deep, while that of the fig is more superficial, reducing competition for water and nutrients.
2. Improved soil fertility
The fig tree improves soil thanks to its ability to colonize poor soils and create humus with the fall of leaves.
Both plants promote microbial biodiversity in the soil, improving its structure and water retention capacity.
3. Mutual protection from wind and sun
The fig tree can offer shade to young olive trees, reducing evaporation and water stress in arid areas.
The olive tree, more resistant, can act as a natural windbreak, protecting the fig tree from strong gusts that could break its branches.
4. Reduction of parasites and diseases
Crop diversification helps break the cycles of some parasites and diseases that attack monocultures.
The fig tree attracts useful insects such as bees and wasps, promoting biodiversity and pollination.
5. Staggered harvesting and production diversification
The fig and olive trees produce fruit in different periods (summer-autumn for the fig, autumn-winter for the olive), allowing for staggered harvesting and better management of company resources.
6. Better resilience to environmental stress
Both plants are drought-resistant and tolerate poor soils, making this intercropping ideal for Mediterranean areas with water scarcity.
In short, intercropping between figs and olives is a sustainable practice that improves productivity, biodiversity and soil health, while reducing the risk of diseases and pests.