A novel approach to direct field separation of almond hulls

In Italy the cultivated area of almonds (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) Webb) was around 52,500 ha in 2019, but under very variable growth conditions and rarely in specialized orchards. Ordinary harvesting cycles involve two distinct operations: Harvesting in the field and hulling process in a second time, with different machinery and often carried out outside the company. The cultivation and harvesting systems are still traditional, thus severely limiting the use of machines, with an increase in production costs. At the same time, the development of cultivation methods in relation to a dedicated mechanization represents often an experimental solution in Italy. To improve "circular" economy, any wasted biomass by a production process should be evaluated to understand its suitability for a specific reuse option. In the present work, we have focused our attention on the almond hulls, to develop a system to separate these products directly in the field. The prototype has been evaluated in open field conditions, and the first results lead to a selection of over 50% without any setting experience, and the sum of completely and partially dehusked fruit reaches 90% of the total. The activity is in progress, as well as the development and calibration of the system.