Macadamia prefers fertile, well-drained soils, a rainfall of 1,000–2,000 mm (40–80 in), and temperatures not falling below 10 °C although once established, they can withstand light frosts, with an optimum temperature of 25 °C. Inter-planting with two cultivars, such as 344 and 660, improves yield through cross-pollination.
Can one use the orchard for other activities?
Beehives near the orchard can generate additional revenue through honey production. Another possibility is the integration of animals. This helps to reduce herbicide use and weeding costs. Sheep products also provide an income. Intercropping macadamia nuts with quicker bearing crops is one way to generate early returns. Commonly, coffee is sometimes grown between macadamia nut trees. An alternative is to increase the initial planting density to get higher total production in the early years. Tree removal or radical pruning to improve light penetration is also very necessary.
