1. Mature Orchard Rejuvenation
Macadamia Farm Management
Bundaberg Queensland

2. History
• 25yr old trees
• Low yield and quality
• Tree disease issues
• Poor soil health(old soils)
• Low return on investment

3. Changed Practices
• Increased chemical fertiliser
• Increased organic matter
• Increased pruning
• Increased water use
• Increased bee activity

4. Before - December 2009

5. After - October 2011

6. The Sun= More Value than all other
inputs
Value of the Sun=$$$$???

7. THE PLUG HOLE SYNDROME

8. Improvements = Results
• Increase in YIELD
• Increase in QUALITY
• Increase in soil HEALTH
• Increase in tree HEALTH
• Decrease in PHYTOPHTHORA

9. 25 Year Old Trees
Farm A - NIS @ 10%
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2 T/ha
1.5
1
0.5
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

10. 25 Year Old Trees
Farm B - NIS @ 10%
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
T/ha
1.5
1
0.5
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

11. 25 Year Old Trees
Farm C NIS @ 10%
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
T/ha
1.5
1
0.5
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

12. Conclusion
• Increase sun through regular pruning
(Little and Often)
• Improve soil health through consistent
applications of organic matter
• Maintain chemical fertilisers
(Little & Often)
(Finding the Balance)

13. “No Silver Bullet”

14. Time + Money + Hard Work
= Returns
• Total project is a long term carefully
thought out process.
• Total rejuvenation costs = $1200/ha
This equates to 400 kg NIS per hectare…...