For the past three years, despite scorching and dry summer temperatures, the resilient olive trees of Salento have slowly but surely turned a new leaf in their long struggle against CODIRO—the Complex of Rapid Olive Decline Syndrome. Having witnessed this transformation firsthand, I can say that the revival of these ancient trees is nothing short of miraculous. After enduring several consecutive years of poor harvests, the 2024-25 season has seen olive mills across the region processing hundreds of thousands of quintals of olives. One striking example is the Cooperativa Agricola Olearia Sannicolese, a vibrant collective of over 1,500 members from the Ionian Salento region. They have processed nearly 19,000 quintals of olives—40% of which are of the esteemed Cellina di Nardò and Ogliarola Salentina varieties. This recovery is not only a technical achievement but a deeply personal triumph for those of us who have nurtured these groves with hope and persistence.
Embracing Natural Recovery: Pruning and Seasonal Treatments
I remember the early days of this recovery vividly—each pruning session was an act of love and respect towards these venerable trees. Proper pruning is essential, and it begins long before you even touch a branch. With tools sharpened and disinfected, every cut becomes a mindful ritual. It’s about removing unwanted suckers and water sprouts that drain the tree’s energy, all while preserving the lush, healthy growth that signals new life. I take great care to make precise cuts slightly above the branch collar; this encourages natural healing and wards off fungal pathogens that could otherwise jeopardize the tree’s fragile recovery.
Once the pruning is complete, every part of the tree—trunk, branches, and canopy—is treated with a homemade Bordeaux mixture. I mix 1 kilogram of slaked lime and 1 kilogram of copper sulfate pentahydrate per 100 liters of water, ensuring the solution is evenly applied. For those larger wounds, a denser mixture is applied with a brush, sealing the cuts and protecting the tree from potential infections. Seasonal treatments further fortify the trees. In winter, I apply a special blend of slaked lime and 4% iron sulfate to the woody parts of the tree. Come spring, a refreshing spray of potassium bicarbonate (700 grams per 100 liters of water) covers the entire tree, raising the pH of the leaves and fortifying the tree against fungal invasions. These practices, refined through years of hands-on work, have become my way of communicating with the land—each treatment a promise of renewal.
Nurturing the Soil and Embracing Sustainable Practices
Beyond the trees themselves, the soil plays a crucial role in this rebirth. Over the years, I have learned that the health of Salento’s olive groves is intrinsically linked to how we care for the earth beneath our feet. Rather than plowing—an activity that can disturb the delicate network of roots—I encourage natural ground cover to flourish. Watching the grass and wild vegetation grow, enriching the soil with vital microorganisms, fills me with a sense of quiet satisfaction. This natural mulch increases organic matter and improves soil porosity, ensuring that rainwater is absorbed effectively and water stagnation is avoided.
I steadfastly avoid chemical fertilizers such as nitrates, urea, or ammonium sulfate, which may offer a temporary boost but ultimately damage the soil and encourage harmful pathogens. Instead, every decision I make—from using minimal irrigation to carefully managing the land around each tree—reflects my commitment to nurturing a balanced, living ecosystem. Each step taken on this journey is personal, a testament to the belief that sustainable practices are not just good for the environment; they are essential for preserving our heritage and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty.
A Personal Journey and a Living Legacy
The rebirth of Salento’s olive trees resonates deeply with me. Each tree, with its gnarled branches and storied past, symbolizes resilience, endurance, and the timeless interplay between nature and human care. This recovery is more than just an agricultural success—it’s a living legacy of hope. I have seen firsthand how proper care, respectful pruning, and mindful soil management can turn despair into a promise of abundance. Every olive harvested, every cut made with care, every spray of treatment is a small act of rebellion against the forces that once threatened our cherished landscape.
Despite the persistent challenges posed by institutions and outdated scientific approaches that advocate for tree removal, a community of farmers and olive growers in Salento stands united. We are determined to support these trees, not as mere crops, but as living symbols of our cultural and environmental heritage. Our shared journey is one of hope and renewal—a commitment to preserving the beauty of our land while nurturing the spirit of sustainable innovation.
As I wander through the olive groves on a quiet afternoon, feeling the warm sun and listening to the gentle rustle of leaves, I am reminded of the profound truth that nature always finds a way. The calm after the storm is not just a poetic notion—it is a tangible reality, visible in every revitalized branch and every drop of golden olive oil. It is my personal honor to be part of this journey, to care for these magnificent trees, and to witness their ongoing rebirth.
So, I invite you to share in this experience, to listen to the whispers of the olive trees, and to embrace the enduring calm that follows even the fiercest storms. Here in Salento, amidst the legacy of these ancient trees, you will find a story of resilience, a celebration of life, and a promise that with love and care, the earth can indeed be reborn.
