Biomass Production

Selection of drought-tolerant, high biomass-yielding plants asrenewable energy sources and beneficial commodity, using  wastewater sources and non-agricultural desert land

Researchers

The aim of the study is to identify and select native species as new sources of  energy crops, not  competing with agricultural crops for arable land and water resources. Certain desert plants have evolved to successfully cope with arid conditions using saline water sources. We are currently studying several such drought-resistant, high biomass-yielding varieties. We have identified several salt cedar species with high biomass producing potential under extreme conditions, and capability of establishing forests in dry zones and desert areas utilizing wastewater irrigation. Further characterization of these fast-growing species is in progress, aiming at improving stress tolerance and biomass production

 

Salt cedar- Tamarix aphylla(Erect type) grown in the desert and irrigation with reclaimed water

 

Five months after planting

   

 

Twenty months after planting