Cutting Edge Technology
WATER USE EFFICIENCY
Water is an important resource for almond production. The Australian almond industry is a leader in the efficient use of water, with a strong focus on investing in irrigation design, management, scheduling technology and maintenance to optimise the value of this limited resource and minimise negative environmental impacts. The almond industry is committed to continually improving water use efficiency in a way that protects both the environment, local communities and the future of the almond industry.
In Australia, most almond production occurs within the Murray-Darling Basin, where environmental regulations on water use are present. The ABA continues to implement our Water Policy which aims“ to ensure the Murray Darling Basin River system and its environs are healthy and can sustainably support a prosperous, diverse irrigated agricultural sector and its communities”.
Sustainable and profitable almond production relies on pressurised irrigation systems designed to match soil suitability and meet crop demands. The almond industry continues to invest in sophisticated irrigation systems and scheduling technology, with at least 90 % of orchards using drip irrigation.
By implementing sustainable and best management irrigation practices, growers use only what they need to optimise the return on water use and minimise the impact on the environment and local communities. The ABA supports industry by providing workshops and training. The Almond Hort360 Irrigation module aligns sustainability and BMP, allowing growers to assess their irrigation practices and make positive changes on farm.
Every year Australia uses around 2,600 gigalitres of water to grow food that is wasted( Food Innovation Australia, 2021). As a non-perishable product with a shelf life or two years or more, almonds have a reduced risk of spoilage and food waste.
The ABA promotes a closed-loop system where every part of the almond, hull, shell, and kernel has a value and is put to use. In the Australian almond industry, hulls and shells are repurposed as stockfeed, bioenergy for co-generation, and organic fertiliser. This sustainable approach ensures almond growers get the most out of every drop.
PLANTING BY IRRIGATION SYSTEM
OTHER 0 %
SPRINKLER 4 %
UNKNOWN 6 %
DRIP 90 %
90 % of industry is drip irrigation
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