Author
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BASHIROV, VUGAR - Azerbaijan State Agrarian University - Azerbaijan |
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FEASTER, JOHN - Kenaf Usa, Llc |
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CONNELL, R - Advantage Technologies Llc |
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Webber Iii, Charles |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2010 Publication Date: 9/6/2011 Citation: Bashirov, V.V., Feaster, J.G., Connell, R.W., Webber III, C.L. 2011. Kenaf and bioremediation in Azerbaijan: Planting locations, plant populations, and varieties. In: Webber, C.L. III, Liu, A., editors. Plant Fibers as Renewable Feedstocks for Biofuel and Bio-based Products. CCG International, Incorporated. p. 141-146. Interpretive Summary: Oil and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) have been used for over 3000 years. Although oil continues to generate a significant portion of the Azerbaijan gross national product, past extraction, storage, and shipping methods have resulted in excessive environmental pollution. Kenaf, an ancient cordage crop, can now be used for the bioremediation of soil and water in Azerbaijan. However, it is necessary to determine the potential for this crop for bioremediation and other purposes. In 2009, research was conducted in Azerbaijan to determine the impact of location (Samukh and Bilesuvar), kenaf varieties (‘Tainung #2,’ ‘Everglades 41,’ ‘Dowling,’ and ‘Whitten’), plant densities (81,700-, 109,700-, and 136,400 plants/a) and planting dates (May 8, 11, and 13, 2009) on yields. ‘Tainung #2’ consistently had superior yields at each location, planting density, and planting date, with yields ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 t/a. The earlier planting dates, May 8 and 11 produced greater yields than the May 13 planting. Planting kenaf at 109,700 plants/a produced the greatest yields, irrespective of location, variety, or planting date. Although stalk yields for the 202,000 plants/ha density were fairly high, plant architecture was diminished by excessive branching and leaf production, unlike the single stalk structure of the 109,700 plants/a density plantings. This research provided valuable information for future kenaf production in Azerbaijan. Kenaf produced the greatest yields at these two locations, when planted early, first week of May, at 109,700 plants/a with ‘Tainung #2.' Technical Abstract: Scientists, businesses, and the Azerbaijan government are bringing together two ancient natural resources, petroleum and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), to create a balance between economic growth and environmental reclamation. Oil and kenaf have been used for over 3000 years. Although oil continues to generate a significant portion of the Azerbaijan gross national product, past extraction, storage, and shipping methods have resulted in excessive environmental pollution. Kenaf, an ancient cordage crop, can now be used for the bioremediation of soil and water in Azerbaijan. However, it is necessary to determine the potential for this crop for bioremediation and other purposes. In 2009, research was conducted in Azerbaijan to determine the impact of location (Samukh and Bilesuvar), kenaf varieties (‘Tainung #2,’ ‘Everglades 41,’ ‘Dowling,’ and ‘Whitten’), plant densities (202,000-, 271,000-, and 337,000 plants/ha) and planting dates (May 8, 11, and 13, 2009) on yields. ‘Tainung #2’ consistently had superior yields independent of location, planting density, and planting date, with yields ranging from 10.0 to 12.38 mt/ha. The earlier planting dates, May 8 and 11 produced greater yields than the May 13 planting. Planting kenaf at 271,000 plants/ha produced the greatest yields, irrespective of location, variety, or planting date. Although stalk yields for the 202,000 plants/ha density were fairly high, plant architecture was diminished by excessive branching and leaf production, unlike the single stalk structure of the 271,000 plants/ha density plantings. This research provided valuable information for future kenaf production in Azerbaijan. Kenaf produced the greatest yields at these two locations, when planted early, first week of May, at 271,000 plants/ha with ‘Tainung #2.' |
