Current Research
A
three-fold developmental approach in the areas of soil
science, plant science and agricultural technology is being
taken for this plant.
This research will chart a new direction in sustainable
energy farming by applying modern genetic, agronomic, and
horticultural practices to the optimization of energy farms.
Research in Soil Science involves
developing a deep understanding of the essentials of
Plant Physiology and Nutrition. A healthy
plant requires a nourishing foundation in which to grow, and the
necessary physical, chemical, biological and fertility properties
that will contribute to that success. CfSEF will
“fine tune” the combination of those variables to maximize the
sustainability of Jatropha farming.
A second variable, Plant Science, is
the isolation of specific genes responsible for large, oil-rich
Jatropha seeds; plants that are resistant to pests and disease; and
plants that require less water, fertilizer and pesticides.
This research requires a concentrated focus on the Breeding
and Genetics associated with Jatropha curcas.
Lastly, a third variable, Agricultural
Technology, includes everything from specialized equipment, to
the care and custody of the plant in its development and harvesting
stages. This includes preening processes at the
early stages of Jatropha’s growth, harvesting techniques at the end
of its growth cycle, and effective extraction processes.
This research is expected to improve
sustainable farming efficiencies in a variety of ways: increase farm
production yields by 300% in the next 3-5 years; increase oil
content of these yields from 33% to 40-45%; increase the quality of
the oils and other products produced; and reduce the need for
inputs, specifically fertilizers and pesticides.
This research will set the stage for the energy farms of tomorrow and develop a series of ‘best practices’ for a truly sustainable future.
From a global economics perspective, this project will contribute
to development of a global Jatropha oil value-chain and open
marketplace. A viable Jatropha field-to-fuel value-chain would
create tens of thousands of jobs in the previously summarized
industries, create wealth, reduce global dependency on oil reserves,
and contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Jatropha is likely to
offer commercial opportunities in both developing and developed
countries to large multinational firms as well as small
entrepreneurs.
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