SPACE-TIME DEPENDENCE OF JATROPHA GROWTH PARAMETERS GROWN IN BRAZILIAN SEMIARID

André Quintão De Almeida,Sérvulo Mercier Siqueira E Silva,Farnésio De Sousa Cavalcante,Ivan Souto De Oliveira Junior,José Alison Da Silva Melo,Rodolfo Marcondes Silva Souza

doi:10.1590/1983-21252016v29n212rc

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Jatropha has emerged as a source of power generation in the semiarid region of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate, using geostatistics, the spatial variability of stem diameter, plant height and seed weight of jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) grown under rain fed conditions in Serra Talhada, Pernambuco state, Brazil. At 545, 905 and 1265 days after sowing (DAS), the stem diameter and plant height of 340 plants were measured with a digital caliper and a tape measure. At 545 DAS, the fruits of 306 plants were collected, the seeds extracted and their weights measured with a precision balance. For each date analyzed, the spatial dependence of the plant characteristics was evaluated from the adjustment of the experimental semivariogram. The spherical model was adjusted for modeling the spatial distribution of cultural parameters. The range of plant height reduced by an average of 37% from 545 DAS when compared to 905 and 1265 DAS, while for the stem diameter this parameter remained practically constant. Geostatistics can be employed to assist in future sampling and to identify areas with different patterns that can occur in the jatropha planting.

Highlights

Some forecasts estimate that oil reserves are likely to be exhausted within 40 years (CARNIELLI, 2003)
The normal data distribution was confirmed for all stem diameter assessments (SD), height (H) and seed weight (SW), except for the stem diameter measurements (SD) at 1265 days after sowing (DAS)
The average stem diameter and plant height values were similar to those found in other studies conducted in the semiarid region of Brazil (DRUMOND et al, 2010)

Summary

Introduction

Some forecasts estimate that oil reserves are likely to be exhausted within 40 years (CARNIELLI, 2003). With this possible oil shortage, alternative and renewable energy sources have been investigated in various parts of the world. In Brazil, a country with tropical climate, there are several renewable energy sources, with emphasis to those of vegetable origin. In the Northeastern region of Brazil, jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) has presented great potential for energy production (DRUMOND et al, 2010), without competing with food production. It is a perennial and monoecious species that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It takes three to four years to reach productive age, which can span up to 40 years (SUJATHA et al, 2009; MARTINS et al, 2010)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion