In recent years, biofertilizers have taken center stage in agriculture, offering sustainable and effective alternatives to traditional fertilization methods. In olive cultivation, Bulhnova, a biofertilizer developed by Probelte, has emerged as a promising solution. It not only enhances olive yields but also fosters soil ecosystem balance, optimizing essential nutrients for strong, productive trees, as demonstrated in field trials to date.

What is Bulhnova, and How Does It Work?

Bulhnova is a liquid biofertilizer formulated with two live microorganisms: Azospirillum brasilense and Pantoea dispersa, each present in concentrations exceeding 10⁸ CFU/ml. These microorganisms perform complementary functions in the soil, creating a synergistic effect that promotes plant growth.

• Azospirillum brasilense fixes atmospheric nitrogen, a critical nutrient for plant development.
• Pantoea dispersa solubilizes blocked phosphorus in the soil, making it available to the plant and enhancing the uptake of other nutrients like potassium, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

Bulhnova is applied via fertigation, ensuring even distribution of the microorganisms in the olive tree root zone. This enables efficient nutrient uptake, significantly reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. In olives, applying Bulhnova during early vegetative growth stages, such as pre-flowering and fruit setting, and continuing throughout fruit development strengthens root systems and facilitates continuous nutrient absorption. This is crucial for tree performance and fruit quality.

Higher yields and better quality in olive trees

One of the most notable field trials took place at El Ceresal in Gilena, Seville, where Bulhnova was tested on Hojiblanca olive trees as a supplement in fields without conventional fertilizers.

• First harvest: An increase of 159 kg/ha.
• Second year: A remarkable yield boost of 1,496 kg/ha.

These results translated into significant economic benefits, with gross profitability reaching €2,094/ha in the second harvest.

“This productivity boost is largely due to Bulhnova’s ability to optimize nutrient utilization in the soil, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers while keeping the soil in optimal condition for olive tree growth”, explains Pablo López, Crops Solution Manager at Probelte.

In other trials, Bulhnova maintained equivalent yields to fully fertilized control plots, even with a 100% reduction in chemical fertilizers. Whether used as a standalone alternative in areas without conventional fertilization or as a tool to minimize chemical inputs, Bulhnova significantly improved quality parameters like total oil yield, offering a sustainable solution that enhances both productivity and harvest quality.

Soil health and long-term benefits

Beyond improving yields, Bulhnova positively impacts soil health. By enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing chemical fertilizer accumulation, Bulhnova promotes a healthier, more resilient soil microbiome. This is particularly advantageous in olive orchards subjected to intensive farming practices, where chemical inputs can degrade soil quality over time.

“Bulhnova is an essential tool for any farmer seeking better yields without compromising soil health”, emphasizes López.

Its ability to lower soil salinity and nitrate levels makes it ideal for sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices. Moreover, Bulhnova allows significant reductions in conventional fertilizers without negatively affecting yield or quality.

Investing in Bulhnova: Profitability Now and for the Future

Bulhnova’s success lies in its adaptability to olive grove conditions and its precise mode of action, which ensures efficient nutrient utilization and maximized tree performance. Regular applications of Bulhnova in olive orchards not only boost yields but also improve oil quality, delivering higher dry matter fat levels and reduced fruit moisture — essential traits for growers focused on premium oil production.

By improving soil conditions, Bulhnova supports medium- to long-term sustainability, ensuring consistent olive quality. In essence, it offers a comprehensive solution for olive cultivation, delivering benefits in productivity, profitability, and sustainability. With its positive effects on soil health and its ability to optimize essential nutrient use, Bulhnova is a key ally for olive growers striving to enhance yields and quality without compromising the health of their lands.