Examining the use of Simarouba glauca Seed Oil as a Feedstock for the Production of Biodiesel using a Small Scale Model Developed in India

Simarouba glauca, a non-edible oilseed crop native to South Florida, is gaining popularity as a feedstock for the production of biodiesel. The University of Agriculture Sciences in Bangalore, India has developed a biodiesel production model based on the principles of decentralization, small scales, and multiple fuel sources. Success of such a program depends on conversion efficiencies at multiple stages. The conversion efficiency of the field-level, decentralized production model was compared with the in-laboratory conversion efficiency benchmark. The study indicated that the field-level model conversion efficiency was less than that of the lab-scale set up. The fuel qualities and characteristics of the Simarouba glauca biodiesel were tested and found to be the standards required for fuel designation. However, this research suggests that for Simarouba glauca to be widely accepted as a biodiesel feedstock further investigation is still required.

Left to right: Justin Baker, Arturo Saldivar, Edward Castaneda. Pulling core to determine standing crop (fine root biomass) in mangrove forest at SRS-4, Shark River Slough

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. This image is made available for non-commercial or educational use only.

Buckwheat as a Cover Crop in Florida: Mycorrhizal Status, Soil Analysis, and Economic Assessment

This thesis analyses buckwheat as a cover crop in Florida. The study was designed to demonstrate: soil enrichment with nutrients, mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi interactions, growth in different soil types, temperature limitations in Florida, and economic benefits for farmers. Buckwheat was planted at the FIU organic garden (Miami, FL) in early November and harvested in middle December. After incorporation of buckwheat residues, soil analyses indicated the ability of buckwheat to enrich soil with major nutrients, in particular, phosphorus. Symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased inorganic phosphorus uptake and plant growth. Regression analysis on aboveground buckwheat biomass weight and soil characteristics showed that high soil pH was the major limiting factor that affected buckwheat growth. Spatial analysis illustrated that buckwheat could be planted in South Florida throughout the year but might not be planted in North and Central Florida in winter. An economic assessment proved buckwheat to be a profitable cover crop.