Abstract
Olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivation is gaining attention and expanding rapidly in Pakistan, predominantly in the Pothwar region. Being a new intervention, optimized nutrient recommendations for olive are lacking and need appropriate nutrient recommendation for achieving high fruit yield and oil productivity. During this study different nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer combinations were tested on the yield performance of olive trees (Arbequina cv.) of ten years age at Chakwal, Pakistan. Treatments consisted of three N levels (400, 500, and 600 g tree-1) and two P levels (200 and 300 g tree⁻¹), while potassium was applied uniformly at 300 g tree-1. Two plants were selected under each treatment and laid in randomized complete block design (RBCD) arrangement. Fertilizer application was completed according to treatment plan, all phosphorus, ⅟3 nitrogen and ½ potash was applied in first week of March before flowering, ⅟3 nitrogen in mid-April after fruit formation and ⅟3 nitrogen and ½ potash was applied in the end of August. Plants were closely monitored during the whole period. During the month of October, olive fruits were picked from each tree after ripening, yield parameters including fruit weight/tree, average weight/fruit and oil content of fruit were recorded for each treatment. Results showed that increasing N and P application rates significantly improved olive productivity and oil accumulation. Among the tested treatments, NPK application at 600-300-300 g tree⁻¹ (T6) produced the highest fruit yield and superior fruit quality attributes, indicating that adequate nutrient supply is critical for maximizing olive performance in Pothwar conditions. The results suggest that application of 600 g N, 300 g P, and 300 g K per tree represents the most effective nutrient combination for ‘Arbequina’ olive. These findings provide a locally validated fertilization strategy to enhance olive productivity and support the sustainable development of Pakistan’s emerging olive industry.