RESEARCH & EVENTS
Cash flow model; based on measured data from SARDI’ s density optimisation trials at ACE. This example compares conventional and higher density Vela and Nonpareil plantings( 308 and 513 trees / ha, grafted to Garnem) with super-high-density Vela( 1,481 trees / ha, grafted to Rootpac 40). Model assumes annual costs of ~$ 19,000 / ha and returns of $ 5.70 / kg for Vela and $ 7.20 / kg for Nonpareil.
may be seen as a drawback, strong yields and good kernel size could offset this, particularly if SHD compatible harvest and drying technologies are developed to enable earlier more efficient harvest operations.
Economic assessment of SHD SARDI’ s economic assessment of its AS18000 field experiment found that SHD increased establishment costs but did not deliver sufficient yield improvements to ensure a rapid or sustained return on investment. The SHD orchard faced substantial economic barriers, particularly due to high upfront tree costs. Unlike in apples, where SHD has led to substantial yield gains, almonds have shown only modest improvements. Early yield advantages diminished over time and quickly aligned with those of well-managed, lowerdensity planting systems that offer reduced establishment costs and greater operational resilience. Market dynamics further hinder SHD adoption, especially for non- Nonpareil varieties like Vela and Shasta, which tend to receive lower
price returns, thereby limiting overall profitability.
Pathway to SHD Viability SHD almond production will only become viable for Australian growers if several key developments occur:
• Availability of marketable, self-compatible cultivars with growth habits that support spur renewal under mechanical hedging.
• Price parity with Nonpareil for new cultivars, to ensure economic competitiveness.
• Development of reliable harvest and postharvest technologies capable of handling nuts harvested at higher moisture levels.
• Targeted agronomic research to optimise tree physiology and orchard management, reducing operational bottlenecks and risks.
Additional drivers may emerge from regulatory and environmental pressures, including:
• Compliance with soil health and organic production standards.
• Stricter food safety and traceability requirements.
• Increasing demands for water and nutrient use efficiency.
• Regulations aimed at reducing dust emissions during harvest.
Meanwhile, ongoing SARDI research is showing substantial productivity gains, including for Nonpareil, under medium to high density plantings using conventional orchard formats.
More information If you are interested in discussing or visiting any of SARDI’ s field experiments, please contact Darren Graetz( Loxton 08 8595 9100) or Tim Pitt( Waite 08 8303 9400).
Acknowledgement SARDI’ s AS18000 project was funded by the Hort Frontiers National Tree Crop Intensification Program with coinvestment from the South Australian Government. Participation in the 2025 ABA study tour of Spain and Portugal was supported through Hort Innovation project AL23004. Further information from www. horticulture. com. au
industry. australianalmonds. com. au
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