Mycelial Composting Tube utilizes waste generated during olive tree cultivation. Olive tree compost collected within the tube is processed with mycorrhizal fungi, white rot fungi, and other agents to decompose it into organic matter, serving as a nutrient source for the trees. The biodegradable tube follows a circular fertilization method, integrated with a critical root zone(CRZ) to establish mycorrhizal symbiosis in the soil. This enhances nutrient absorption, improves soil structure, and boosts resilience to environmental stress. Adapting to the varying nutrient needs of olive trees at different growth stages involves adding supplements like microbial agents, pruned branches, fallen leaves, and olive pomace to meet specific elemental requirements, fostering overall olive tree growth.

| Problems

1. Olive Tree Planting Waste

Apart from naturally fallen fruit and dried leaves, olive trees often produce numerous side branches and twigs that require regular pruning during the planting process.

2. Waste Generated in Processing

In the olive oil production process, the "extraction" step separates olive oil from olive pomace and other waste materials. Improper disposal of these byproducts can lead to environmental pollution.

3. Chemical Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can have adverse effects on the environment, including soil degradation, decreased soil quality, reduced soil biodiversity, weakened microbial activity, poor soil structure, and increased susceptibility to erosion and water loss.

| Nutrient Requirements for Olive Trees

For every 1000 kilograms of olives harvested, olive trees typically require approximately 25 kilograms of potassium, 15 kilograms of phosphorus, and 5 kilograms of nitrogen.

1. Potassium

Promotes overall tree health, and enhances resistance to pests and environmental stressors.

2. Phosphorus

Encourages root development and fruit ripening.

3. Nitrogen

Stimulates leaf and branch growth increases the tree's leaf surface area, and improves photosynthesis efficiency.

| Material

Pruned Olive Branches + Fallen Olive Leaves + Fallen Olives

These materials are rich in lignin, cellulose, carbohydrates, minerals, etc., contributing to increased soil organic matter content. However, they have a relatively high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and during the decomposition process, they may absorb nitrogen from the soil. This issue can be addressed by incorporating a mixed microbial agent during decomposition.

| Process of Production

1. Collect pruned overgrown branches, dead leaves, and fallen fruits from olive trees.

2. Shred the pruned branches, dead leaves, and fruits to create wood chips.

3. Mix with water.

4. Pour the mixture into molds.

5. After demolding, heat for shaping.

| Types of Microbial Agents

1. Mycorrhizal Fungi :

Mycorrhizal fungi can form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, creating mycorrhizal symbiosis and providing plants with a larger absorption surface area. This aids in the more effective absorption of water and nutrients by plants. Olive trees belong to the category of endomycorrhizal fungi

2. White Rot Fungi :

White rot fungi possess an extracellular ligninolytic enzyme system, capable of secreting enzymes that break down lignin and cellulose, transforming them into organic matter that serves as a nutrient source for plants. When employed to decompose dried branches, fallen leaves, and olive pomace, white rot fungi can expedite the decomposition process. This decomposition process results in the production of carbohydrates, minerals, and organic acids.

3. Mixed MicrobialAgent K

4. Mixed MicrobialAgent P

5. Mixed MicrobialAgent N

| Benefits of Adding Microbial Agents

1. Root Growth

2. Soil Improvement

3. Enhancing Resilience

4. Facilitating Carbon Supply

5. Promoting Nutrient Release

| Growth Stages of Olive Trees

<General Growth Stage>

Sapling Stage(1Y-5Y): Mycorrhizal fungi + Microbial Agent N

Young Stage(6Y-15Y): Microbial Agent N + Microbial Agent P + Microbial Agent K

Mature Stage(16Y-)-Flowering: Microbial Agent P

Mature Stage(16Y-)-Fruiting: Microbial Agent P + Microbial Agent K

<Special Period>

Transplanting Stage: Mycorrhizal fungi

Drought Stage: Mycorrhizal fungi

<Spring and Autumn Seasons>

Spring/Autumn: Mycorrhizal fungi + Microbial Agent N

| Scenario of Use

1. Dig a circular trench around the trunk of the tree at the drip line (CRZ), with the main trunk at the center. The trench should be approximately 30 centimeters deep.

2. Place the mycorrhizal fertilization pipe in the trench.

3. Add dried branches, leaves, olive pomace, and other organic waste materials.

4. Depending on the situation, add various types of microbial agents.

5. Cover the trench with a lid to prevent the spread of composting odors and provide a closed environment. This helps maintain the compost temperature and promotes microbial activity.

6. The mycorrhizal fertilization pipe will decompose on its own.

| Material Recycle

1. Shred and compress the pruned branches, fallen leaves, and fallen fruit of the olive tree to create Mycelial Composting Tube.

2. Pruned branches, fallen leaves, and olive pomace can be placed in Mycelial Composting Tube, or microbial agents can be added based on the growth needs of olive trees.

3. Mycelial Composting Tube undergoes self-decomposition, transforming into nutrients to meet the growth requirements of the olive trees.

4. Throughout the olive tree's growth stages, branches, pruned branches, fallen leaves, and fallen fruit are generated, initiating the process of remaking Mycelial Composting Tube.

| Value

1. Reuse of Agricultural Waste Generated by Olive Trees

2. Olive tree branches, fallen leaves, and fruit material can decompose, creating a sustainable cycle

3. Placement in the soil enhances the effective absorption of nutrients from the roots

4. Using olive branches and pomace as compost, supplemented with natural fungi, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers

5. Control of compost and inoculant infusion levels, reducing labor costs for farmers