A natural circular system
Australian growers and processors recognise that macadamia foliage, husks and shells are an incredibly valuable resource. Rather than being treated as waste, these natural by-products are cycled back into orchard systems, helping to close carbon and nutrient loops and supporting long-term soil health.
Organic matter, such as branches or foliage, is returned to the earth beneath the trees for reintegration into the soil, while the soft outer husks of the macadamia nuts are used as compost. This on-farm cycling feeds soil life, returns nutrients to the system and helps to naturally sequester carbon in the ground.
Macadamia shells are a valuable resource and can be reused in many ways after the macadamias have been cracked, including for electricity generation. One of Australia’s largest suppliers burns its macadamia shells in a specially controlled environment which not only creates heat to dry the kernel but also powers its cracking plant.
Macadamia shells can also be used to create biochar, a natural high-carbon soil enhancer, by burning them at a high temperature in a low oxygen environment. They can also be used to make building products, carbon filters and industrial nano-powders, while medical charcoal derived from macadamia shells has been used as an effective hospital treatment for poisoning.
观看以下内容，了解艺术家、工匠马克·哈里森（Marc Harrison）如何在其独特的家居用品和家具中使用澳洲坚果壳和木材。
