Soil and nutrition

This investment explores cover cropping as a management practice in Australian almond orchards by assessing its efficacy and practicality in specific almond-growing regions for more effective and sustainable orchard management. The project team are establishing field trials in two almond-growing regions, with up to six under-tree management options that seek to increase soil cover, including a business-as-usual herbicide bare-earth control. The research will seek to understand how cover crops influence every aspect of the production system and which crops are best to mitigate soil damage, minimise water use and avoid the need for herbicide addition.

To assess pre and post planting soil management strategies that show potential in improving the health of the soil system. Quantifying impacts on soil physical, chemical and biological condition as well as tree response and the economics of production.

Established in 2014, this project is being conducted as part of a coordinated research program into boosting almond productivity and profitability. It has a specific focus on tree architecture and the development of new growing systems. It involves a range of field trials involving pruning and light management approaches.