Information: Biofuel and the Southwest

Grown in the Southwest?
The potential for New Mexico and the Southwest to become major players in the production of biofuels and biodiesel feedstocks is very promising. While the region's climate is too arid for the production of many agricultural products, some of the most important biodiesel crops are well suited to the region's high altitude, low moisture levels, and high summer heat. Where other crops would fail, crops used for biodiesel production-such as Camelina and Jatropha-prosper favorably in the Southwest's climate.

For example, with less than 4% of the 121,412 square miles that make up the state of New Mexico under cultivation, the potential for biodiesel feedstock production is substantial in that state alone.

What is Camelina?
Camelina is an oilseed known by many other names such as "False Flax" or "Leindotter." Known for its low nutrient requirements and insect resistance, Camelina is seen as a viable and desirable feedstock for the rapidly expanding biodiesel industry. It is well suited for growth in the Southwest due to its hearty and low-demand characteristics. Its growth is neither challenged by the warmer temperatures of the Southwest nor the limited rainfall and resulting low soil moisture. Camelina can yield between 1,000 to 2,200 pounds per acre with less than 16 inches of rain per year, translating to between 330 and 667 gallons of B100 biodiesel.

As a non-food feedstock that can be grown on marginal lands, Camelina requires minimal inputs such as water and fertilizer, and is harvested with traditional equipment. A distant cousin to canola, Camelina can prove to be a high quality, competitively priced energy crop; while boosting farm revenues, it can benefit both the environment and national energy security. In addition, once the oil is extracted, its byproduct can be used as feed supplies for fish, poultry, dairy, and beef production.

What is Jatropha?
Jatropha is a low rising tree that yields an inedible small fruit with a very oil rich seed. The plant's low nutrient demand, strong resilience against insects, and toleration of arid conditions make it an ideal crop for the Southwest region. Jatropha is increasingly cultivated for biodiesel production across the world in areas with similar climates to Southwest's.

Growers are impressed by its low maintenance, resilience, and high yield. Its root structure aids in protecting against soil erosion year-round, while its leaves fertilize the soil so that the crop does not require annual replanting. This inedible feedstock does not compete as a food source.

Why is Algae Important as a Crop?
Researchers are developing new strains of algae to serve as a potential biomass feedstock for the production of biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol. These discoveries are coupled to enhanced extraction and conversion technologies that will decrease the overall cost of producing fuels from algae. Algae are one of the most promising sources of biomass because they do not compete with traditional agricultural systems designated for food or grain production, can be grown using impaired waters, and can be grown to high levels in certain environments. Algae is particularly suited for the Southwest that has plenty of sunshine and brackish water - the perfect environment for algae to grow.