Jatropha

Jatropha

Jatropha is a semi evergreen shrub which can be grown in almost all regions. It produces seeds which can be processed to extract biodiesel which may be directly used in any diesel engine car or can be further processed to produce jet fuel. This plant is native to America and is generally found in Mexico and Central America. Its cultivation is very easy as it can be grown in deserts too. It doesn’t need much care to be cultivated as it is toxic in nature and is pest and weed resistant. Due to these properties, jatropha has a high potential to be used as a major source of biodiesel in future.
Jatropha seeds contain 27% to 40% oil (average 34.4%) and can be easily extracted by crushing the seeds. The residue left after extraction is not thrown as waste because it is also useful in number of ways. It can be used to feed animals and fishes after proper intoxication, it can also be used to produce biogas, high quality organic fertilizer, high quality organic pesticide. It has also got some uses in medical field and can be also used as biomass to be fed in electricity power plants.
It has also got good potential of cleaning atmosphere as it can be grown in desert land which goes waste with no use. One hectare of jatropha helps in reduction of approximately 25 tons of CO2 from atmosphere in one year, which is not less from a dry and draught prone land. Another advantage with jatropha is doesn’t need much attention and there is no need of investment on fertilizers or pesticides or fencing to prevent from animals. Jatropha sap is been used to make baskets in Mexico since generations.

The other side of the picture is that it contains a lot of toxicants and causes a lot of health problems if consumed by living. Due to its toxic nature it has been banned in some countries like Australia. Also its long term effect on soil is not known till now and is a matter of discussion.
Credits: Image Source- Google Images

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