Biofuel crops may not grow soon

Researchers: Local conditions viable, but farmers likely to stick with current crops

By TY BEAVER
H&N Staff Writer 

October 25, 2007

   Agricultural researchers in the Klamath Basin now have a better understanding of how to grow biofuels crops such as canola and camelina. 

   But don’t expect to see thousands of acres of the oilseed crops any time soon. 

   In an article in the Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center newsletter, researcher Rich Roseberg said testing of the plants in Basin conditions indicates they are possibly viable and could be valuable in an energy crisis. 

   Biofuel production in the area is on the rise and a second facility is expected to open next year, but that does not mean biofuels crops will immediately become a major factor in local agriculture. Record prices for current crops also could slow the transition. 

   “It’s not a way out there crop that no one can handle, but it’s not familiar,” Roseberg said. 

   Oilseed crops tested 

   KBREC’s recent trials tested varieties of canola, yellow mustard and camelina and their production under different irrigation scenarios. 

   The canola varieties were the most productive under full irrigation, sometimes yielding 3,000 lbs per acre. Reduced irrigation did not seriously impact production for any of the varieties, though, with plants still producing nearly 2,500 pounds per acre. 

   Camelina benefited from additional moisture considerably, with 2,680 pounds per acre at full irrigation and 1,310 pounds per acre with reduced irrigation. The crop was less competitive with weeds as well. 

   Challenges to crops 

   The crops aren’t difficult to grow, but Roseberg indicated there are challenges. Biofuels crops have a shorter harvest window compared to other commodities and there are additional steps to harvesting. 

   KBREC planted seed from the biofuels crops this fall to test their winter hardiness and if there is benefit to planting in the fall instead of the summer.

Curr ent crop prices up 

   Roseberg said certain factors would have to change before biofuels crops could possibly become a major part of Basin agriculture. Prices for crops such as wheat, barley and hay would need to go down to lure growers toward alternative crops. 

   Rearranging the economical benefits of growing biofuels as opposed to those processing the fuel they make could also institute a switch. 

   “The primary incentive goes to the person who blends the fuel,” he said.

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