12
Almond Facts
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015
UC DAVIS STUDY:
ALMONDS HAVE
CARBON NEUTRAL
POTENTIAL
A recent study conducted by the University of California, Davis suggests that almonds have additional
benefits besides their nutritional value. California almonds, according to the study, have the potential to
become carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative with continued environmental efforts by the industry.
The study was funded in part by the Almond Board
of California and the California Department of Food
and Agriculture. It examined the 25-year lifecycle of
an almond orchard —from land preparation to the
“productive life” and to removal — and found that a
kilogram of almonds produces less than a kilogram of
carbon dioxide emissions.
“We asked the question, 'what are the energy inputs
and emission outputs when producing almonds?’” said
Dr. Gabriele Ludwig, Director of Sustainability and
Environmental Affairs at the Almond Board of California.
The research concluded that almond trees naturally
sequester a substantial amount of carbon and by employing
full-use practices of the nut, hull, shell and orchard
biomass, the crop can reach its full sustainability potential
in regards to greenhouse gas (GHG). Practices including
using almond shells for livestock bedding and alternative
energy, and hulls for livestock feed are ways to ensure
complete use of the crop.
In addition to improving utilization of orchard biomass,
finding ways to improve nitrogen and irrigation uses will also
help in the quest to achieve carbon-neutral or -negative status.
Carbon-neutrality occurs when the amount of CO
2
emitted
by an almond is the same amount sequestered and removed
by the crop, while carbon-negative is a reduction of GHG
emissions by removing or sequestering CO
2
that would
otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
The idea of recycling and conserving is anything but
new to California almond growers. Research from the
California Almond Sustainability Program showed that
74 percent of surveyed almond orchards already recycle
orchard prunings. And in the past 10 years, growers have
invested more than $3 billion into irrigation, resulting
in zero water wasted, improved irrigation systems and a
decreased carbon footprint.
Continuing conservation efforts and sustainable practices
will reduce GHG emissions further and allow for the
achievement of a carbon-neutral or carbon-negative
footprint.
“When you implement sustainable nitrogen and water
practices, you are not only improving GHG emissions, but
water quality, air quality, energy efficiency and using your
resources as effectively as possible,” said Ludwig.
To read the study in its entirety, visit the Journal of
Industrial Ecology website:
Part I of study:
/
doi/10.1111/jiec.12332/abstract
Part II of study:
/
doi/10.1111/jiec.12333/abstract
BY MALLORIE HAYES
