Moderate Nitrogen Rates Applied to a Rainfed Olive Grove Seem to Provide an Interesting Balance between Variables Associated with Olive and Oil Quality

Nitrogen (N) fertilization has been extensively studied all over the world, not only due to its impact on plant growth and yield, but also product quality. Olive oil is a natural highly valued by markets, role in Mediterranean diet, when quality above legally established standards. Thus, it important continue study how cropping practices can of olive order fine-tune guidelines issued producers. The objective three-year was assess effect application 0, (N0), 40 (N40) 120 (N120) kg ha−1 N rainfed grove variables associated with fruit biometry maturation index, polyphenols olives oil, evolution time sensory analysis. prolonged period coloration, delaying fruits, particularly higher doses applied. changed phenolic composition antioxidant capacity fruits without clear trend among years. In general, high rate negatively affected oils, reducing oxidative stability bitterness compared N40 treatment; this lower content compounds that have radical scavenging capacity. Excessive increased degradation quality, as led an increase K232 extinction coefficient. Moderate rates seem be good compromise guarantee although there some interference from other uncontrolled environmental variables; these were probably accentuated because came grove. analysis panel detected defect (winey-vinegary flavour) treatment difficult justify will need more attention future studies.