Investigation of Adaptation of Olive Plant Cultivation with Climatological Conditions in the Northern Part of the West Azarbaijan and its Agricultural Zonation

The main aim of this research is investigation about adaptation of climatological conditions with bioclimatological requirements of olive plant for the selected climatological stations (Oroumiyyeh, Khoy, Salmas, Kahriz, Maku). Qualitative and quantitative considerations of climatological factors were also carried out according to olive plant cultivation conditions in the study area. Daily climatological data of the stations were collected for 15 statistical years (1989-2003) and were used for calculations. The study area is located between 32/37 to 37/39 north latitude and 26/44 to 45/5 east longitude. Stations with capability of olive cultivation were determined after consideration of climatological data and comparison of the result with required conditions of olive cultivation. The obtained results from analysis of climatological factors and adaptation of them with bioclimatological requirements of olive plant shows that this plant is very sensitive to heat decrease and heat makes limitation for olive cultivation in most part of the study area. Therefore, cultivation of olive is restricted only for Kahriz and Oroumiyyeh areas. According to the investigations that were carried out in this study, time table of cultivation and harvesting of olive yield was determined. Because of cold mountainous climatic conditions that is dominated in the study area, periods of blossom and harvesting of olive yield is later than the other areas. Blossom and harvesting periods are during June and September to early October respectively. Harvesting period for oil-pressing is in December.