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UC trial results show almond‑shell and other fine high‑carbon amendments can cut winter nitrate leaching in many trials
Summary
Field trials presented by UC researchers showed finely ground almond shells (5 t/acre) and similar high‑carbon amendments reduced winter nitrate leaching in several trials (averaging ~47 lb/acre reduction across seven trials; in some years reductions exceeded 100 lb/acre), though effectiveness varied with rainfall and timing.
UC researchers told the panel that finely ground, high‑carbon soil amendments (for example, ground almond shells) show promise for immobilizing residual nitrate over winter and reducing nitrate losses below the root zone in many but not all field trials.
"Once residues are incorporated into the soil in the fall, microbes decompose them during a mild winter and eventually accumulate a significant amount of nitrate in the soil," Joji Muramoto (UC Santa Cruz) explained; his team tested amendments that encourage microbial…
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