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Zeolites and Biochar Modulate Olive Fruit and Oil Polyphenolic Profile
Sandra Martins1, Ermelinda Silva1,2, Cátia Brito1
1CITAB-Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Soil amendments like zeolites and biochar can improve the quality of olives and olive oil in Mediterranean orchards facing climate change. These sustainable practices enhance soil moisture and boost beneficial polyphenol content, crucial for olive oil
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Mediterranean rainfed olive orchards face sustainability challenges due to soil degradation and climate change.
- Crop yield and the quality of olives, olive oil, and by-products are negatively impacted.
- Soil amendments offer a potential strategy to improve soil fertility and plant performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of soil amendments on soil moisture, yield, and the polyphenol and quality indices of olives and olive oil.
- To assess the efficacy of a fertilizer compound (FC) alone and in combination with zeolites (ZL) and biochar (BC).
Main Methods:
- A two-year field study was conducted under rainfed conditions.
- Evaluated treatments included a fertilizer compound (FC), FC + zeolites (ZL), and FC + biochar (BC).
- Measurements included soil moisture, crop yield, fruit and oil polyphenols, and quality indices.
Main Results:
- Soil amendments significantly influenced the polyphenolic composition of olives and oil, but not crop yield.
- Zeolites (ZL) improved soil moisture by 26.3% and the fruit's oleic/linoleic ratio by 12.4% in 2018, enhancing oil quality.
- Biochar (BC) increased the concentration of high-value polyphenols like 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, oleuropein, and rutin.
- Olive oil from the FC-only treatment exhibited the poorest quality, showing signs of oxidation and hydrolytic breakdown.
Conclusions:
- Soil amendments, particularly zeolites and biochar, are promising sustainable strategies for Mediterranean rainfed olive orchards.
- These amendments can enhance soil moisture, improve fruit fatty acid profiles, and increase beneficial polyphenols in olives and oil.
- Implementing soil amendments can mitigate negative impacts of soil degradation and climate change on olive production quality.
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