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The use of agricultural waste as soil amendments aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable development and circular economy principles. This study investigates the potential of almond (AS) and walnut shells (WS) as eco-friendly soil amendments, focusing on their physical and mechanical characteristics, including density, plasticity, compaction, and consolidation behavior. By incorporating these biodegradable by-products into soil systems, the research seeks to evaluate their chemical compatibility with natural soils and their suitability for enhancing geotechnical performance. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the shells’ specific gravity, Atterberg limits, Proctor compaction parameters (optimum moisture content and maximum dry density), and oedometric consolidation properties under various stress conditions. Results indicate that almond and walnut shells exhibit very low density, reducing the soil's dry density by up to 19.3% (from 1.87 g/cm3 for pure residual granitic soil (RGS) to 1.51 g/cm3 for 20% of AS, and 1.54 g/cm3 for 20% of WS). Additionally, their favorable compaction and plasticity characteristics contribute to improved soil workability, with optimum moisture content increasing by 46.3% (from 12.3% for RGS to 18.0% for 20% of AS, and 20% of WS). Consolidation tests reveal that these amendments enhance the compressibility and permeability of treated soils, with compression index values increasing by up to 678% (from 0.1062 for RGS to 0.8261 for 20% of WS), suggesting potential applications in agricultural and environmental engineering contexts. The findings highlight the dual benefits of reducing agricultural waste disposal and improving soil properties, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By showcasing the viability of almond and walnut shells as sustainable soil amendments, this study provides a novel approach to integrating agricultural by-products into geotechnical engineering practices, supporting both environmental protection and infrastructure resilience.

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Almond and Walnut Shells as Sustainable Soil Amendments: Physical and Mechanical Insights for Geotechnical Applications

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Thamer Nouioua,
  • Leonardo Marchiori,
  • Flora Silva,
  • Antonio Albuquerque,
  • Victor Cavaleiro

摘要

The use of agricultural waste as soil amendments aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable development and circular economy principles. This study investigates the potential of almond (AS) and walnut shells (WS) as eco-friendly soil amendments, focusing on their physical and mechanical characteristics, including density, plasticity, compaction, and consolidation behavior. By incorporating these biodegradable by-products into soil systems, the research seeks to evaluate their chemical compatibility with natural soils and their suitability for enhancing geotechnical performance. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the shells’ specific gravity, Atterberg limits, Proctor compaction parameters (optimum moisture content and maximum dry density), and oedometric consolidation properties under various stress conditions. Results indicate that almond and walnut shells exhibit very low density, reducing the soil's dry density by up to 19.3% (from 1.87 g/cm3 for pure residual granitic soil (RGS) to 1.51 g/cm3 for 20% of AS, and 1.54 g/cm3 for 20% of WS). Additionally, their favorable compaction and plasticity characteristics contribute to improved soil workability, with optimum moisture content increasing by 46.3% (from 12.3% for RGS to 18.0% for 20% of AS, and 20% of WS). Consolidation tests reveal that these amendments enhance the compressibility and permeability of treated soils, with compression index values increasing by up to 678% (from 0.1062 for RGS to 0.8261 for 20% of WS), suggesting potential applications in agricultural and environmental engineering contexts. The findings highlight the dual benefits of reducing agricultural waste disposal and improving soil properties, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By showcasing the viability of almond and walnut shells as sustainable soil amendments, this study provides a novel approach to integrating agricultural by-products into geotechnical engineering practices, supporting both environmental protection and infrastructure resilience.