From trash to treasure: Recycling almond orchards

With National Science Week sparking nationwide interest in science-driven innovation, 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 is investigating a circular approach that will benefit both the environment and future crops.  

Whole orchard recycling, is an innovative practice where trees that have reached their end of productive life are chipped down and incorporated back into the soil, helping to sequester carbon, regenerate soil health, and support the establishment of new orchards. The project has been developed to explore application on Australian soil for the almond industry, following proven success and wide adopted in perennial crops in California. 

The three-year trial, which has just concluded 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 per cent increase in soil organic carbon in the whole orchard recycling treatment, along with healthy tree growth and strong establishment of the new orchard.  

Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation explained what this can mean for growers and the industry: “The results of this project are promising for Australian almond growers. It is through regenerative practices like whole of orchard recycling that reduce the need for external inputs, improve soil function, and cut emissions – potentially delivering higher productivity for growers, as well as tangible benefits for the planet.” 

“We know sustainability is a focus for growers, so through projects like this, we are aiming to create solutions that will help achieve climate goals while also having holistic benefits for growers,” concluded Fifield.  

Beyond increasing soil organic carbon, this process was also shown to reduce nitrate leaching, helping to retain nutrients in the root zone and support long-term soil fertility. This creates more favourable conditions for young trees and supports growth.  

 ”We appreciate the support from Australian almond growers and Hort Innovation to demonstrate this innovative practice that has the potential to allow the industry to improve productivity and inset some of their carbon emissions,” said Paul Petrie, Principal Scientist – Viticulture and Program Leader of the Irrigated Crops at SARDI. 

By investing in evidence-based innovation, the almond industry is taking proactive steps towards a more sustainable, circular future. As the sector continues to evolve in response to climate challenges, initiatives like whole orchard recycling are setting a new standard for sustainable orchard management – turning waste into growth and paving the way for a more resilient future. 

To find out more about the project, please visit: Hort Innovation | Pathway to carbon neutral – whole orchard recycling in almond orchards (AL21000)