Jatropha and Macauba

When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.  ~David Orr

Why the move to Biofuel?

The world has moved, by necessity, into a new era of alternative energy solutions. Three critical factors have motivated Biofuel development into the largest growth industry in the world.

  1. Peak oil, the singularity when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is attained and thereafter declines, will be reached in this decade. Oil levels should be near zero by 2050.
  2. Rapidly industrializing nations such as China and India are placing ever-increasing pressure on the already strained global production lines of petroleum. This trend only shows signs of worsening over the next two decades and is predicted to drive up the price of a barrel of crude oil to between $200-$250. (Goldman Sachs, 2009; Gazprom, 2009)
  3. The realization that global consumption of fossil fuels has pushed greenhouse gas emissions to a dangerously high level has resulted in a Global Green Movement socially as well in the financial sector.

These three critical factors, buttressed by numerous others, have lead to a search for alternative energy sources, with particular interest in a step-in replacement for gasoline and diesel. Biodiesel, which is the production of diesel from plants and algae instead of petroleum, shows incredible promise. However, most of the plants under development as sources contain serious caveats such as being primary food stocks or requiring prime agricultural land on which to grow.

One plant, Jatropha Curcas, lacks these drawbacks and is emerging as the premiere eco-friendly alternative to both petroleum and other bio-energy sources. There are other plants or trees that fit this category too. These are plants not used for human food consumption that don’t require quality agricultural soil and are also strong producers of quality green oil. These plants are known as petroplants

Jatropha (Jatropha Curcas)

The Feedstock of Choice

Jatropha Curcas is a non-food crop that originated somewhere in Costa Rica near a town called Tempate and was exported throughout the world during the 1700s. This amazing plant has many beneficial uses in addition to the oil producing seeds from which the biodiesel is made, including medical and cosmetic applications for the seedcake, glycerin and latex by-products.

Perhaps the most damaging event to happen to the biodiesel industry was the hype and exaggerated claims made by some self-proclaimed experts about the potential of Jatropha. In the early stages of exploration the plant was presented as a “wonder crop” that could grow almost anywhere, without needing any resources or care. Many companies (and their investors) quickly learned that this was not so – sadly through failed agricultural efforts.

So let’s set the record straight on Jatropha:

  • Jatropha can grow on marginal land as long as the conditions are right, the land is properly fertilized, and the crop is given sufficient water. With proper application of plant science Jatropha based oil fields can reach yields compatible to commercial expectations and needs.
  • Jatropha is an extremely strong crop that natural repels most pests and the plant diseases they carry. The crop is not, however, completely immune to pests and disease. As with any professional agricultural project, the plant needs to be monitored, threats need to be recognized early, and corrective action needs to be taken when necessary.
  • Jatropha can grow in nutrient deficient soil, but not as a commercial crop. Like all commercial plants, the soil needs to be treated with fertilizers and nutrients to help the crop grow to its full potential.

Jatropha is seeing enormous growth and worldwide cultivation with almost five million hectares already planted. If this current trend continues, more than 13 million hectares will be planted by 2015, generating an estimated $10 billion annually. (USD)

We feel strongly about the potential of Jatropha to be a leading biodiesel feedstock. Our reasons include:

  • Jatropha begins yielding seed after 10 months and the tree is fully mature after 2 years.
  • The Jatropha plant continues yielding for up to 50 years.
  • Jatropha seeds have very high oil content (up to 38%).
  • With proper irrigation and fertilization Jatropha can grow on marginal land. This allows for significantly lower land acquisition or leasing costs, and allows for the economic and social advantages derived from biodiesel planting to reach regions previously excluded.
  • Jatropha is more insect and livestock resistant than most other crops, reducing the risk of crop damage and lowering the cost of crop maintenance.
  • It is extremely easy to plant Jatropha, as seeds take well to any soil condition and new trees can even be planted using branches (cuttings) of existing trees.
  • The Jatropha is a non-edible plant so it does not reduce the food supply and is not subject to fluctuations in market price based on food or commodity prices.

While worldwide growth of Jatropha continues to increase, Costa Rica is in a unique position to become the world leader in Jatopha production as the seeds from Jatropha currently growing in Costa Rica have oil content as high as 38% and one hectare of this incredibly robust plant can produce 600 gallons of Jatropha crude oil (JCO).

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata)

It grows to 15-20 m tall, with a trunk up to 50 cm diameter, characterized by numerous slender, black, viciously sharp 10 cm long spines jutting out from the trunk. The leaves are pinnate, 3-4 m long, with numerous slender, 50-100 cm long leaflets. Petioles of the leaves are also covered with spines. The flowers are small, produced on a large branched inflorescence 1.5 m long. The fruit is a yellowish-green drupe 2.5-5 cm in diameter, containing a single, dark brown, nut-like seed 2.5-5 cm diameter, which is very tough to break. The inside is a dry white filling that has a vaguely sweet taste when eaten.

The plants inhabit a wide variety of climates and situations. The grugru nut, which come in mass numbers from each tree, can be used in the manufacture of biodiesel. It is also a very beautiful palm that will increase the beauty of your property and are commonly used a decorative trees.