Applying almond hulls and shells as potassium-rich amendments

New studies show that almond hulls and shells release potassium into the soil when they are surface applied as organic matter amendments in the orchard. Potassium release from hulls and shells is strongly driven by water application and is not initially limited by decomposition rate. This practice can help increase soil exchangeable potassium with benefits to July leaf potassium values. In the long term, hull and shell amendments could be used with other soil health practices such as reduced soil disturbance to build soil organic matter content while reducing dust and erosion. Hulls and shells are often locally available and can be returned to the orchard at low costs.