Research proves benefits of whole orchard recycling

A ground-breaking project which turns agricultural waste into regenerative solutions for the future has shown promising outcomes for Australian almond growers.

Funded by Hort Innovation and delivered by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the whole orchard recycling project investigated a circular approach aimed at benefitting both the environment and future crops. Trees at the end of their productive life were chipped and incorporated back into the soil, helping to sequester carbon, regenerate soil health and support the establishment of new orchards.

The three-year trial, conducted in a commercial orchard near Merbein, Victoria, compared whole orchard recycling with compost applications and untreated control plots over three growing seasons. The results revealed a 30% increase in soil organic carbon in the whole orchard recycling treatment, along with healthy tree growth and strong establishment of the new orchard.

The process was also shown to reduce nitrate leaching, helping to retain nutrients in the root zone and support long-term soil fertility. The result is more favourable conditions for young trees during establishment growth.

Promoting mulching of prunings in the grove as part of of sustainable orchard management has been strongly promoted across the olive industry in recent years and this research is proof of the benefits for all tree crops: turning waste into growth by reducing the need for external inputs, improving soil function and increasing productivity, while also cutting emissions.

More information

The project Pathway to carbon neutral – whole orchard recycling in almond orchards (AL21000) was a strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Almond Fund.

There’s more about the project here and you can download the final report here.