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I have a question that I hope some one can answer for me.
How do we deal with the phosphate issue given the possible peak in world phosphate production?
Firstly let me say that I like the idea of bio-fuels, and Jatropha sounds like a good idea for non-tropical/non-subtropical climates where sugarcane is less viable.
As I understand it from my bio-chem days vegetable oils are composed of triglycerides. Each molecule of vegetable triglycerides containing one Phosphate atom.
Therefore phosphate input must me supplied to the soil else the Jatropha plant will be unable to produce the required vegetable oil.
Could Peak Phosphate be Algal Diesel's Achilles' Heel?
Thanks,
Bob
see also: Peak phosphorus: readings
The Jatropha Curcas trees are indiginous to the southwest US and northern Mexico. They grow there because of the climate and the soil which probably has some of the phosphorus element in the soil, IMO. Studies of growing them in India show that yields are much better when NPK fertilizers are applied. Also, they don't require much water to grow, but seed production is enhanced with some irrigation (don't know how much).
You're mistaking triglycerides for phospholipids.