<i>Jatropha Curcas</i> as Marginal Land Development Crop in the Sultanate of Oman for Producing Biodiesel, Biogas, Biobriquettes, Animal Feed, and Organic Fertilizer

Abstract

The present article can be regarded as a compilation of various aspects related to the cultivation and utilization of Jatropha curcas in degraded lands, which may not be very suitable for other crops. The benefits of this plant are not limited to producing biodiesel, but expand to biogas and biobriquettes. So, all three phases of fuel (liquid, gas, solid) are possible outcomes from it. Aside from fuels, the byproduct seedcake resulting from pressing the seeds can be used as a good organic fertilizer that is comparable or even better than chicken manure. After detoxification, this seedcake can be valuable feed for livestock. Along with the positive expectations, the study is balanced by also addressing negative expectations when planting Jatropha curcas for commercial applications. A seeds sample of this plant was successfully germinated in indoor condition, after applying the shell cracking pre-treatment. Special attention is paid to the Sultanate of Oman as a country whose geographic location and vast desert lands may encourage large-scale investment in Jatropha curcas for boosting and diversifying the economy.