A tree normally grown as a wind breaker or planted as a fence by Kenyan farmers now offers a new opportunity for biofuel production.
The croton tree, a non-food crop known as Msenefu in Kiswahili, Omkinduli in Luhya, Mukinduri in Gikuyu , Kelelwet in Kipsigis and Lemaruguet, Masineitel, Mkigara, Mlalai, Muhande and Musine in various other parts of Kenya, is promising equal opportunities in the quantity and quality of biofuel, according to biofuel experts.
Croton megalocarpus grows naturally in various ecological zones- from the Coast to the highlands of central Kenya and the dry lands of the North Rift. In these regions, the annual rainfall ranges between 400mm and 1,400mm.
“Croton megalocarpus is also being touted as a tree with a huge potential to reclaim eroded soils and restore them to productivity. Leaves from the croton megalocarpus trees have greatly improved the fertility and soil texture in the regions where they are grown while providing cover that helps in reducing evaporation during the rainy season. Croton husks can be used as a soil condition,” Omollo said.
[SIZE=5]Biofuel[/SIZE]
Croton nut oil (CNO) has been promoted for its perceived benefits in combating climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Compared to diesel, CNO is self-lubricating and has a higher flash point making it safer and causes lower exhaust emissions. There is a limited research on the production of biodiesel from CNO but as a biofuel it can be blended in any ratio with or as a replacement for diesel in stationary equipment and generator sets.
[SIZE=5]Seed cake[/SIZE]
Croton seed cake is used in animal feeds. Based on laboratory testing, protein accounts for 25-30% of the croton seed cake compared to comparable seed cakes like canola (18%) and sunflower (20%). Croton seed cake also has lower level of aflatoxin (14%) than cotton and sunflower seeds. In a study published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, incorporating 25% of croton seed cake into chick diets had positive effects on chick growth and health.
[SIZE=5]Fertilizer[/SIZE]
The croton husks are milled for fertilizer. Croton nuts have relatively high nitrogen content comparatively to typical composts and manures. Eco Fuels Kenya (EFK) is making an organic Bio-fertilizer as a soil amendment certified by East Africa Organic Product Standards that includes Azadirachta indica and Warburgia ugandensis which have insect resistant properties.
