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Yield and Growth of Macadamia Trees in Response to Mulching with Macadamia Husks


Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia, Maiden et Betche) husks, a waste product of the industry, could serve a useful purpose as a mulch (8). However, uncomposted husks have been shown to be toxic to germinating corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings when mixed with vermiculite as a potting medium. In a composting study, unamended heaps of macadamia husks retained potent phytotoxic compounds for at least 209 days (unpublished data). Observations (H. Ooka, personal communication) indicated that mature macadamia trees could be killed with high levels of fresh husks used as a mulch around the base of plants. The objective of this study was to measure the yield, growth, and leaf nutrient levels of mature macadamia trees in response to increasing amounts of uncomposted husks applied as a surface mulch.