Which plant is cultivated for biodiesel?
Jatropha
Understanding Biodiesel Cultivation
Biodiesel is a type of fuel produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled grease. These sources are renewable, making biodiesel an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Many different plants can be used to produce the oils needed for biodiesel, but some are specifically cultivated for this purpose due to factors like high oil yield, adaptability to diverse growing conditions, and non-competition with food crops.
Plants for Biodiesel Production
Let's look at the given options and their common uses:
- Soyabean: Soyabean oil is widely used for food purposes (cooking oil, processed foods). While soyabean oil can be converted into biodiesel, soyabean is primarily cultivated as a food crop and for animal feed.
- Groundnut: Groundnut (or peanut) oil is another common edible oil used in cooking and food products. Like soyabean oil, it can be used for biodiesel, but its primary cultivation is for food consumption.
- Jatropha: Jatropha (specifically Jatropha curcas) is a plant that produces seeds with high oil content. This oil is often specifically targeted for biodiesel production because the plant is drought-resistant, can grow on marginal lands not suitable for food crops, and its seeds are non-edible due to toxicity. This reduces competition with food sources and allows cultivation in challenging environments.
- Sunflower: Sunflower oil is also a popular edible oil. Sunflowers are cultivated mainly for their seeds used for oil extraction (for food and cooking) and snacks. Sunflower oil can also be used for biodiesel.
Why Jatropha is Cultivated for Biodiesel
Among the options provided, Jatropha stands out as a plant frequently cultivated specifically with biodiesel production as a primary goal, especially in areas with less fertile land. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and the non-edible nature of its oil make it a preferred feedstock for dedicated biodiesel cultivation projects.
Conclusion
While oils from Soyabean, Groundnut, and Sunflower can be used to produce biodiesel, these plants are predominantly cultivated for food uses. Jatropha, however, is particularly noted and cultivated for its oil's potential as a biodiesel source, especially on non-agricultural land.
Important Questions from Conservation efforts: India and World
Consider the following statements:
1. 'Right to the City' is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
2. 'Right to the City' gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
3. 'Right to the City' means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, supported by UNEP, has been developed for
With reference to the New York Declaration on Forests, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.
2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.
3. It is a legally binding international declaration.
4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities.
5. India was one of the signatories at its inception.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
What is the name of an international environmental agreement with universal ratification to protect the earth’s ozone layer by eliminating the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS)?
National park is one kind of
