An innovative pilot project removes feral olive trees from national parks and turns them into a product that helps to grow grapes in McLaren Vale vineyards.

Feral olive trees from Onkaparinga River National Park and Glenthorne National Park - Ityamaiitpinna Yarta - are being used to create biochar, a product that can help retain nutrients, improve soil structure and increase water-holding capacity.

Biochar production is an environmentally friendly carbon recycling process. This project puts the olive trees in a portable piece of machinery called a Tigercat and burns them at temperatures of 500 degrees Celsius to create biochar.

The biochar is then processed and sold by the project’s commercial partners including to local McLaren Vale vineyards. It’s expected that any funds raised will be able to go back into the project to fund further olive control and revegetation works.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs says this is a first for national parks in South Australia to be converting feral olive trees into biochar.

“Our national parks conserve vitally important ecosystems, habitats, plants and animals, unique land formations, and culturally significant places,” he says.

“They are essential spaces to enjoy nature in all its forms, and provide South Australians with a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits.

“By removing an invasive pest plant species and turning it into a valuable commodity we are not only better protecting our beautiful flora and fauna but we supporting local industry in a win-win for the environment and our economy.”

Professor Chris Daniels, Green Adelaide Presiding Member, says this project is a great example of the work underway to help coordinate the management of invasive pests and support healthy biodiversity.

“Feral olive trees are well adapted to Adelaide’ climate and a major pest plant,” he says.

“This innovative project turns these pests into a useful organic matter to create healthier soil."

As part of the project feral olive trees will be removed from four sites, including Onkaparinga River National Park, Glenthorne National Park - Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, land alongside the Field River and the privately owned Koomilya vineyard.

So far, olive trees have been removed from 0.4 hectares cleared at Koomilya vineyards, as well as approximately 8ha in Onkaparinga River National Park.

Work removing feral olive trees is expected to conclude in Field River before the end of June. Approximately 0.5ha of olive trees will also be removed from Glenthorne National Park - Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.

Project partners include the Department for Environment and Water’s National Parks and Wildlife Service, Biodiversity McLaren Vale, Koomilya Vineyard, Peats Soil, City of Onkaparinga, City of Marion, Bio Gro, Green Adelaide and the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board.

Image by Clikkity from Pixabay