Project Leader: Prof. Terry Rose, Southern Cross University

Industry Partners: Australian Macadamia Society Limited, Australian Subtropical Coffee Growers’ Association Incorporated, Mr Tom Silver, Avocado Grower

Project Description: Macadamia growers in the Northern Rivers of NSW have been removing tree rows to enable ground covers to develop between rows to reduce erosion during heavy rainfall events. Changes in light, airflow and plant species have likely implications for pest and beneficial insect ecology as well as soil health. This project, in partnership with the Australian Macadamia Society, the Australian Subtropical Coffee Growers’ Association and local avocado grower networks, will measure these changes on macadamia, coffee and avocado plantations with either permanent groundcover or annual mixed species cover crops between rows, re-sown continuously following termination with a roller crimper.