.png)
How Teak Lane Macadamia Farm Achieved an 18% Yield Increase with PyroAg Wood Vinegar
Every orchard manager is looking for practical ways to improve productivity without adding unnecessary costs or complexity.
For Murray and Julie Sheer of Teak Lane Farm, improving soil health and plant nutrition had long been a priority. When the opportunity arose to trial PyroAg Wood Vinegar in their macadamia orchard, they were interested in seeing whether it could support healthier trees while fitting seamlessly into their existing management program.
The results exceeded expectations, with an 18% increase in yield, no additional tractor passes and a treatment cost of just 44 cents per tree.
About Teak Lane Farm
Teak Lane Farm is a 23-hectare macadamia orchard managed by Kim Wilson of Eureka Macadamia Management on behalf of owners Murray and Julie Sheer.
Maintaining healthy soils and balanced plant nutrition has always been central to the orchard's management philosophy, leading the owners to continually explore practical ways to improve tree performance and long-term productivity.
Trialling PyroAg
The trial began in 2023, with PyroAg Wood Vinegar incorporated into the farm's existing foliar spray program.
Rather than requiring new equipment or additional field operations, PyroAg was simply added to routine spray applications already scheduled throughout the season.
This ease of integration was one of the key reasons Murray and Julie chose to evaluate the product.
Building on Soil Biology Research
The trial was also supported by emerging research into pyroligneous acid and soil biology.
The case study references work by Professor Megh Mallavarapu from the University of Newcastle and the Soil CRC, which suggests lower concentrations of pyroligneous acid may positively influence beneficial plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), contributing to improved soil quality, plant growth and crop yield.
Rather than acting as a replacement for sound orchard management, PyroAg was evaluated as another tool to support healthy soils and productive trees.
An 18% Increase in Yield
The most significant outcome from the trial was the improvement in production.
Using only 90 mL of PyroAg per tree throughout the season, the orchard achieved:
18% increase in yield
Production increasing from an expected 9.8 kg per tree to 11.5 kg per tree
No additional tractor time
Easy integration into the existing spray program
The trial also demonstrated that these results were achieved with a product cost of approximately $0.44 per tree, highlighting the potential economic value of incorporating PyroAg into commercial macadamia production.
A Practical Addition to Existing Orchard Management
One of the strongest aspects of the trial was how easily PyroAg fitted into routine operations.
Because it was added to sprays already planned throughout the season, the orchard required:
No additional machinery passes
No additional labour
No disruption to existing management practices
For commercial orchard managers, that simplicity can be just as important as the agronomic outcomes. Case Study - Macadamia 221024 PRINT.pdfPDF
Supporting Long-Term Productivity
Healthy soils and balanced plant nutrition continue to be the foundation of Teak Lane Farm's management approach.
The PyroAg trial reinforced that practical biological inputs can be incorporated into commercial orchards without increasing operational complexity, while contributing to improved productivity.
As the case study demonstrates, small changes integrated into existing programs can deliver meaningful long-term benefits.
Key Takeaways
23-hectare commercial macadamia orchard
Trial commenced in 2023
PyroAg added to existing foliar spray program
Only 90 mL applied per tree for the season
18% increase in yield
Production increased from 9.8 kg to 11.5 kg per tree
No additional tractor time required
Treatment cost approximately $0.44 per tree
Download the PDF Case Study
Download the original Teak Lane Farm case study to learn more about the trial, orchard management program and measured production results.
Comments