The spiraling increase in the demand for biofuel with decrease in the sources of fossil fuel has now initiated large and small scale farmers to go with a new wonder crop called Jatropha Curcas. Jatropha curcas L. has proved to be a promising oil-bearing tree, which grows well even in the arid and semi-arid regions, particularly on the degraded lands and lands affected by moving sands, .
The seeds of this Euphorbiaceae tree contain more than 30 % oil, which can be used for making bio-diesel. The seed cake produced after oil expulsion is rich in nitrogen (> 5 %), phosphorus (>2.5% P2O5) and potassium (1% K2O) and can be converted into valuable organic manure for improving physical and chemical properties of the soil. The plant propagates freely from seeds as well as from cuttings and can start producing fruits in two to three years after establishment. It is well adapted to the harsh environments of desert margins, and can withstand drought once it is established through supplemental irrigation in the dry areas.
For more info on this crop go through http://www.jatrophaplantsource.com
Rajesh
India
