"Portability of Olive Groves Became a Topic in the Media"

Portability of Olive Groves Became a Topic in the Media

Olive Trees Can Be Transplanted Without Damage

Ankara - With planned temporary amendments to the Mining Law, the transplantation of olive trees located in a limited number of mineral reserve areas has become a topic of discussion. Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya, Director of the Institute of Food Safety at Ankara University and faculty member in the Department of Horticultural Crops at the Faculty of Agriculture, shed light on the debate, stating that olive trees can be transplanted without damage under appropriate conditions.

Even 3,000-Year-Old Trees Can Be Transplanted Under Suitable Conditions

Olive Tree Transplantation Process

**Prof. Dr. Özkaya: Olive Trees Can Be Transplanted Successfully with the Right Methods and Timing**

Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya emphasized that olive trees can indeed be transplanted successfully if done using the correct methods and at the right time. He noted that winter months are the most suitable period for transplantation, as trees are in their dormant phase during this time.

He explained: “When the tree is dormant, the root ball (clump of roots and soil) is carefully dug out by excavating trenches around it from all sides. After cutting the fine root connections, the tree is then moved to its new location. The climate and soil structure of the new site must be compatible with the original location. When these conditions are met, the olive tree can easily take root in its new environment. Olive trees can be transplanted at any age — from one year old to even 3,000 years old.”

Özkaya also pointed out that olive trees have a survival advantage thanks to their rootstock (yumru), which can even withstand fires. He stated that properly transplanted trees can regain their former productivity within a few years. He added that older trees that do not receive irrigation often develop a strong rootstock, which serves as the "source of their immortality":

“If the land experiences fire or frost, as long as the rootstock remains undamaged, the tree will sprout again and regenerate.”

Global Example: Olive Grove in Madrid

Highlighting global examples of olive tree transplantation, Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya pointed to a financial center established by a bank in southern Madrid, Spain. He noted that all the trees used around the complex were ancient olive trees brought in from various parts of the world.

"These trees were classified through genetic analyses and named according to their species," Özkaya said. "The Madrid example can be specifically highlighted as a successful application in this field."

Olive Trees Can Be Grown Anywhere with the "Natural Pot" Method

Olive Tree Transplantation Process

Pointing out that the "natural pot" method can be applied in cases where soil is insufficient, Özkaya said: "For a root ball (yumru) reaching a diameter of 2-3 meters, a hole at least 2 meters deep should be dug. This hole must be filled with a special soil mixture that supports root development, just like preparing a pot. In this way, the tree adapts to its new location, and as its roots develop, it grows stronger and takes hold."

Avoid Overwatering

Olive Tree Transplantation Process

Emphasizing that olive trees can maintain their resistance to drought and water dependency if not overwatered, Özkaya warned: "If the tree becomes accustomed to too much water, it becomes more delicate. Care must be taken with irrigation."

The amendments to Law No. 3213 on Mining, which came up for discussion in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) on Friday, June 13, brought the issue of relocating olive groves into public debate. Prof. Dr. Özkaya’s statements provide a scientific perspective on the protection and transplantation of olive trees during this process.