Source: SBRC - Bogor Agriculture University
Jatropha Curcas for Biodiesel
Jatropha curcas (jarak) Seed Production for Biodiesel
Biodiesel Demand: The increasing prices of fossil fuel prompted the search
for alternative renewable energy sources. Ethanol from sugarcane, cassava, corn,
and sweet sorghum were identified as possible replacements or substitute blends to
gasoline while coco diesel from coconut oil was identified as a blend for petroleum
based diesel fuel (petrodiesel). Petrodiesel blended with one percent coco diesel is
currently available on a limited scale in the Indonesian market. The government has
directed their officials to use these blended petrodiesel.
Biodiesel is a clean burning, biodegradable, non toxic alternative fuel
produced from renewable resources such as plant oils and animal fats (coconut oil,
soybean oil, palm oil, rapeseed, jatropha) through transesterification processing. It
can be blended with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend – BXX where t the
XX represents the percentage of biodiesel ie. B5 means 5% biodiesel, 95%
petroleum diesel.
The use of biodiesel is being promoted due to its social, economic and
environmental impact. The production of feedstock will generate employment and
additional income among those that will be involved. Idle lands not planted or
currently unusable for other crops can be used.
Biodiesel Benefits: The use of biodiesel will directly reduce lifecycle
greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) while also lowering hydrocarbon and particulate
emissions. It can be used in existing diesel engines with no required modifications. It
also provides more lubricity and has a higher cetane value compared to petroleum
diesel.
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Jatropha curcas benefits: While coconut oil was identified as a source of
biodiesel in Indonesia, the higher price of the feedstock will be the primary constraint
as well as the high valued food uses of coconut and coconut oil.
Jatropha curcas was identified to be a more viable source of biodiesel due to
the following:
1. Seeds contain more than 30 percent oil which can be processed into Jatropha
Methyl Ester (JME), and then further purified into ASTM standard Biodiesel.
2. Jatropha can be planted in idle lands not suited for any other food crops. It will
grow in marginal soils and tolerate drought or low rainfall of 500 mm per year.
3. Can flower and bear fruit as early as six (6) months after planting from cuttings
and eight (8) months if the plants are from seedlings.
4. The plant is a perennial shrub which can reach up to five meters and can be
managed to reach only two meters for ease in harvesting,
5. Produces about 600 kg/hectare during the first year and to as much as 5,000 kg
in the third year. In good soil with irrigation and management; yields could reach
as much as 10 tons/hectare.
6. Can be integrated in agricultural systems as hedges or alley crops and in
agroforestry as understorey crops to trees or hedgerow crops to control soil
erosion. Inter cropping with old and sparsely spaced coconut trees is also
possible.
7. Can also be planted as a pioneer crop in association with climax species in
community-based Forest Management (CBFM) areas.
8. It will generate extensive employment, as it is labor intensive in establishment,
and in harvesting operations.
9. Can generate additional income for the rural area.
What is Jatropha curcas: The common English name is
physic nut tree, purging nut tree and big purge nut. It is
locally known as Jarak. The plant is not native to Indonesia
and it is believed to have come from South America and
brought to the country through the galleon trade.
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Jatropha curcas is popularly planted in fences or as hedges thus the term
Tubang bakod. The seeds are toxic and when grounded are used as fish poison thus
the term tuba. The bark and leaves are used for treating fractures while the sap is
reported to also have antibiotics properties. The seeds are sometimes used for
lighting purposes by putting it on a stick and igniting it.
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