Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1084285
Diamonds in the Rough When ground-up almond shells are heated intensely in the absence of oxygen — a process called torrefaction — they transform to a coal-like material. While it takes billions of years for coal to transform into a diamond, torrefaction immediately converts almond shell biomass into a valuable filler in polymers, creating a stiffer, stronger and more heat-resistant plastic. The potential market for this plastic filler is vast and includes tires, garbage cans and produce containers. In our own industry, trials are underway to determine if torrefied almond shells can be used in recycled plastic pallets and slip sheets that help move almonds to customers around the world. The trials are facilitated by the Almond Board of California (ABC), USDA Albany researchers and 2018 Almond Leadership Program participant Sullivan Grosz, who explored this area for his yearlong special project. "It's exciting that the industry is committed to being a player in this space because optimal use of almond coproducts is integral to the orchard of the future," said Dr. Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer at ABC. "Through the Almond Board biomass research program, we're bringing groups together — groups that haven't worked together before — to think differently, innovate and generate value." When it comes to the traditional use of almond hulls as livestock feed, researchers are also thinking differently: They're thinking small — about 20 millimeters, to be exact, which is the size of an average black soldier fly larva. Insect farmers raise the larvae for use as high-protein feed for poultry, fish and even reptiles. And what do the larvae eat? They'll eat almost anything you'd put in a compost pile. But if the larvae will be used as animal feed, their feed requirements are stricter — and almond hulls are a possible solution. So while black soldier flies may be small, the potential to create value for almond biomass in this area is big. Another promising area of research is a process called biosolarization, which uses anaerobic soil conditions to improve soil health and control pests. In biosolarization, hulls and shells are incorporated into the soil. The soil is soaked with water and then covered with a tarp to trap solar radiation. Then, using the power of the sun, the process of biosolarization naturally depletes the soil of oxygen, making it inhospitable to key soil pests. Researchers hypothesize that this approach may lead to increased soil fertility and decreased reliance on traditional soil pest control methods. In addition, solar heating during biosolarization induces a transformation of nitrate into ammonium, which could benefit nitrogen retention in treated soil. According to Lapsley, this is a prime example of optimal use in the orchard of the future. Plastic, black soldier fly larvae and biosolarization are all taking the industry one step closer to the Almond Orchard 2025 Goal of achieving zero waste in orchards by putting everything grown to optimal use. Keep an eye out for research updates from the Almond Board and be sure to check out highlights from the latest coproduct research in this year's Almond Almanac, available on the ABC website. Interested in participating in coproducts research and development? Attend a meeting of the Almond Board of California's Strategic Ag Innovation Committee or Biomass Workgroup, apply for the Almond Leadership Program or become a program mentor. A L M O N D O R C H A R D 2 0 2 5 G O A L S ZERO WASTE Sullivan Grosz Participant Almond Leadership Program 7