I am new in this field, but very interested in starting a Jatropha plantation in Argentina to produce Biodiesel. I have been doing extensive reading but would like to know where can I get detailed information on the harvesting process for Jatropha. In particular I would like to know how labor intensive it is. I read that one of the best harvesters of Jatropha are in Nicaragua and they can collect 18kg seed an hour. Is this a ggod estimate. Are there any other harvesting processes out there?
I also need to know what kind of maintainance do the plants need once they are planted on the field 9e.g fertilization, cutting, etc)
Hi, as regards harvesting - depends on what scale you want to go. If in small scale/hand harvesting I suggest you look at pneumatic rakes that the nut harvesting industry uses, there are a variety of this products available in the Pecan and other nut industries. If you want to go lartger then the plants require more training and attention to eb suitable to the automated nut harvesting machines - again, there are various suppliers in the nut harvesting industry that can assist.
As regards fertiliser - tricky one as it depends on what type soil you will be using - environmental considerations, etc - I'd suggest you discuss this with both a agricultural expert locally as well as your seed provider.
