Regenerative Orchard Management with Ross Arnett

Establishing a regenerative macadamia orchard relies heavily on cover crops and soil biology, both of which are pivotal in meeting the nutritional needs of a low-input macadamia plantation.

"Malua" is a farm located on the Alstonville Plateau in northern New South Wales. Ross Arnett's family has owned the farm since 1872. The orchard is 10 hectares, with 2,000 mature macadamia trees. Ross Arnett, a SoilCare member, believes that soil health is fundamental for good farming practices. He has been using biological farming practices for years, and it has paid off in the form of healthy trees with fewer pest and disease problems. Ross feeds the soil biology using compost, promoting healthy soils that lead to better yields.

At Malua, biodiversity is a top priority. Ross promotes biodiversity by using cover crops and shrubs that serve as habitats for insects and birds. This diversity keeps the orchard healthy. Ross has planted tall cover crops like sunflowers, sun hemp, and sorghum, mixed with buckwheat and clovers, around the orchard perimeter. The height diversity of these crops attracts insects and birds, making them an effective biological pest control measure.

Ross Arnett's farm, Malua, is a model of sustainable and responsible farming practices. The farm has been in Ross's family for over 140 years, and he has a strong connection to the land. With his sustainable farming practices, Ross is doing his part to preserve the land for future generations.

Ross currently serves as a SoilCare Inc. Board Member.

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Regenerative Orchard Management — Ross Arnett