System Approach for Evaluating the Potential Yield and Plantation of Jatropha curcas L. on a Global Scale

Abstract

Many Jatropha curcas Linnaeus (JCL) plantations have been established in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. To assess the potential of JCL for biofuel production, the potential areas for JCL plantations, and the yields of JCL must be estimated as accurately as possible. Here, we present a system approach to estimate JCL yields, classify yield levels, and estimate productivity of future JCL plantations. We used a process-based net primary productivity (NPP) model to estimate potential JCL yields. The model estimated that the potential yield of JCL dry seed will vary from 0 to 7.62 ton ha(-1) y(-1), in contrast to estimates of 1.50-7.80 ton ha(-1) y(-1) from previous assessments. We formulated a zoning scheme that takes into account land cover status and potential yield levels. This scheme was used to evaluate the potential area and production of future plantations at the global, regional, and national levels. The estimated potential area of JCL plantations is 59-1486 million hectares worldwide, and the potential production is 56-3613 million ton dry seed y(-1). This study provides scientific information on global patterns of potential plantation areas and yields, which can be used to support bioenergy policy makers to plan commercial-scale JCL plantations.

Global greenhouse gas implications of land conversion to biofuel crop cultivation in arid and semi-arid lands – Lessons learned from Jatropha

“…Though widely promoted, yields in arid and semi-arid regions are often below expectations (e.g. Sanderson, 2009), partly because the plant originally grows in more humid tropical savannah and monsoon climates (Maes et al 2009a) and has a lower production in more arid conditions (Trabucco et al 2010;Li et al 2010).…”

Thermochemical and structural changes in Jatropha curcas seed cake during torrefaction for its use as coal co-firing feedstock

“…Jatropha curcas is a species of shrub which is gaining recognition as a potential source of renewable energy in the form of biodiesel, as evidenced by the increasing number of Jatropha plantations that have been set up in (sub)tropical regions worldwide for this purpose [17]. The plant has a number of features that make it an appealing proposition as a bioresource -it can grow in annual rainfall conditions up to 1500 mm, is able to withstand extended periods of drought [18] and is resistant to most pests [19], as well as grows and propagates rapidly [20].…”

Experimental Study on Mechanical Characteristics of Jatropha Seeds

“…It is a promising fuel with technical, socio-economic and environmental benefits [8] . In addition, many of recent research papers has provided perspectives of jatropha biodiesel program in many countries such as UK [9] , Thailand [10], India [11] and China [12] , et al In this condition, jatropha curcas production has increased immensely in the past years due to the demand for biodiesel as an alternative fuel. It is estimated that by 2015 the global cultivated area of J. curcas will be around 12.8 million hectares [13] .…”