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Although the Jatropha tree will grow under arid conditions without fertilisation it will not produce very good yields. To obtain better yields a good soil with plentiful natural rainfall and good, ongoing husbandry is required. Optimum planting densities, pest and disease control. Good weeding, pruning, fertilising and harvesting techniques are also required throughout the life of the trees. These controls can best be actioned on self managed plantations.
Following systematic analysis of different potential growing areas for jatropha, based on factors influencing cultivation including: latitude, day length, temperature, water availability by rainfall, altitude and availability of sustainable land, it became apparent that by far the most favourable conditions were to be found in Brazil.
Indian studies show the following average seed yields per Hectare, after five years, with and without irrigation :-
With irrigation 5.25 to 12.5 tonnes of seed.
Without irrigation 1.1 to 2.75 tonnes of seed. |
