Articles
Frost analysis in the main olive tree production areas of the Iberian Peninsula (1981-2021)
Article number
1457_62
Pages
499 – 506
Language
English
Abstract
Although the olive tree is a crop spread worldwide, its main growing areas are the Mediterranean basin, especially the Iberian Peninsula.
Temperature is a crucial factor that impacts the distribution and success of the crop.
Low temperatures and frost are important limitations for this crop.
Therefore, a spatiotemporal analysis of climatic variables is crucial to identifying viable areas for olive tree cultivation.
In this study, we analyzed the probability, intensity, and trends of frost in the main producing areas of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the average dates of first and last frost.
These variables were integrated into a geographic information system, enabling the visualization of their patterns.
The mean daily minimum temperatures of 13 meteorological stations from the European Climate Assessment & Data (ECA&D) database, located in the main olive-growing areas, were used for the period 1981 to 2021. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope were used to assess trends and their magnitudes.
Findings indicate a high probability of frost in all areas except one, with eight crop areas having a high probability (>50%) of severe frost.
However, the data indicate a decrease in the frequency of yearly frosts accompanied by a rise in the average annual minimum temperature.
Additionally, observations of frost dates reveal a delay in the first autumn frost and an advance in the last spring frost, resulting in a longer frost-free period.
This occurrence may suggest an earlier onset and an extended duration of the vegetative phase.
Temperature is a crucial factor that impacts the distribution and success of the crop.
Low temperatures and frost are important limitations for this crop.
Therefore, a spatiotemporal analysis of climatic variables is crucial to identifying viable areas for olive tree cultivation.
In this study, we analyzed the probability, intensity, and trends of frost in the main producing areas of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the average dates of first and last frost.
These variables were integrated into a geographic information system, enabling the visualization of their patterns.
The mean daily minimum temperatures of 13 meteorological stations from the European Climate Assessment & Data (ECA&D) database, located in the main olive-growing areas, were used for the period 1981 to 2021. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope were used to assess trends and their magnitudes.
Findings indicate a high probability of frost in all areas except one, with eight crop areas having a high probability (>50%) of severe frost.
However, the data indicate a decrease in the frequency of yearly frosts accompanied by a rise in the average annual minimum temperature.
Additionally, observations of frost dates reveal a delay in the first autumn frost and an advance in the last spring frost, resulting in a longer frost-free period.
This occurrence may suggest an earlier onset and an extended duration of the vegetative phase.
Publication
Authors
A. García-Martín, L.L. Paniagua, C. Aguirado, F. Honorio, F. Moral, F.J. Rebollo, L. Rebollo
Keywords
olive, growing season, temperature, trends, Spain
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