Macadamia harvesting with sweepers and blowers: effect on soil movement

Soil erosion is an issue for macadamia growers as the large canopied trees shade the orchard floor which prevents ground cover plant growth. Large areas of bare soil, together with intense rainfall events have led to observed soil movement within orchards and occasionally off-site. Harvest machinery also contribute to soil movement.

In this video, soil scientist Justine Cox explains the amount and pattern of soil movement caused by sweepers and blowers during harvest. A macadamia grower also talks about how he has changed his orchard floor management and harvesting practice to minimise soil movement under his trees.

For more information contact Jeremy Bright at Wollongbar (02) 6626 1346.