Sulfur Enhancement for the Improvement of Castor Bean Growth and Yield, and Sustainable Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Due to limited conventional energy sources, there is a need to find substitute non-conventional sources of energy to meet the societal demands on a sustainable basis. Crude oil and edible oil remain major import items in Pakistan, the deficit of which can be compensated by using biomass, preferably inedible oilseeds. Therefore, the current study evaluated the role of sulfur (S) fertilization for improving yield (seed and oil) and biodiesel value of castor bean, a potential inedible crop with minimum input requirements. For this purpose, a combined approach of field experimentation and laboratory analysis was conducted to explore the potential of two castor bean cultivars (DS-30 and NIAB Gold) against four S supply rates, namely, 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg S ha–1, in terms of growth, phenology, and yield parameters. Subsequently, the obtained seed samples were analyzed for biodiesel-related parameters in the Bio-analytical Chemistry lab, Punjab Bio-energy Institute, Faisalabad. The incremental S rates increased the seed yield for both cultivars, and the highest yield was recorded at 60 kg S ha–1 for NIAB Gold. For NIAB Gold, the oil content increased by 7% with S fertilization at 60 kg ha–1, and for DS-30, the oil content increased by 6% at 60 kg ha–1. As with incremental S fertilization, the oil yield increased on a hectare basis, and the quantity of biodiesel produced also increased. Importantly, the tested quality parameters of biodiesel, except biodiesel viscosity, were in the ASTM standard range. Overall, it has been concluded that castor bean is a promising and sustainable option for producing biodiesel as it is non-competitive to food crops and requires little input.

Transcriptome Analysis of Inflorescence Development at the Five-Leaf Stage in Castor (<i>Ricinus communis</i> L.)

“…In general, castor inflorescence type can impact seed purity and yield [9,10]. There are three types of castor inflorescence: MI, SFI, and BI (Fig.…”

A site suitability analysis for castor (Ricinus communis L.) production during Brazil's second harvest incorporating disease prediction

“…There has been great incentive for castor production in Brazil and other countries in recent years, with intention mainly towards the production of biodiesel [ [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] ]. Due to these interests, some cultivars adapted for mechanized cultivation under crop rotation systems were developed.…”

Non-Conventional Oilseeds: Unlocking the Global Potential for Sustainable Biofuel Production

“…Moreover, cultivating non-conventional oilseeds on marginal soils is practical, as it minimizes competition with food crops and helps alleviate the indirect effects of biofuel production on land use [9]. A recent study by Mukhtar, et al [17] indicated that non-edible oilseed species like castor bean (Ricinus communis) can yield stability even on marginal lands due to their tolerance to water stress, low soil fertility, high soil pH, and arid conditions. Similarly, Ramos, et al [5] observed that non-edible crops can be grown on lands unsuitable for arable crops, with lower water and fertilizer requirements, thus enhancing their economic viability.…”

“…Such resources present promising and eco-friendly alternatives for enhancing biofuel characteristics through new and advanced technologies [18]. These non-edible oils offer advantages as diesel fuels due to their liquid nature, portability, ready availability, renewability, higher combustion efficiency, lower sulfur and aromatic content, and increased biodegradability [17,18]. Additionally, they can thrive in various climatic conditions [18].…”