Introduction to Carinata: A Promising Carbon-Saving Crop
Brassica carinata, commonly known as Ethiopian mustard, is emerging as a promising cover crop in the Southeastern United States. This crop, which has been studied for over a decade for its soil-enhancing qualities, is now gaining attention for its oilseed. The oil derived from carinata seeds offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum fuels, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.
Graham Collier, the global lead of product success at Nuseed Carinata, highlights the dual benefits of this crop: environmental protection and financial incentives for farmers. He emphasizes carinata’s role in soil regeneration, nature conservation, and carbon reduction as part of the fight against climate change.
Carinata Versus Canola: Superior Seed Yield
Carinata, a relative of canola and rapeseed, has shown remarkable seed yield in north-Florida field studies, surpassing both canola and camelina. Ramdeo Seepaul, a research assistant scientist at the University of Florida, reports that carinata achieved a seed yield of 2,500 pounds per acre, outperforming canola’s 1,300 pounds and camelina’s 850 pounds per acre. This impressive yield is partly due to its high oil content (40% to 46%) and significant erucic acid levels (40% to 44%).
Seepaul explains that carinata’s unique composition, with a high proportion of very long-chain fatty acids, makes its oil particularly suitable for various biofuel conversion technologies. This crop also boasts higher energy potential and molecular weight than oils like soybean or canola, leading to a more efficient production of hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals.
The Role of Carinata as a Cover Crop
Carinata is being explored as a cover crop in agricultural systems, not as a competitor to other crops. Collier notes that the aim is to improve and protect existing cropland during periods when soil would otherwise be bare and susceptible to degradation.
The State of Cover Cropping in Florida
Despite its agronomic benefits, cover cropping is underutilized in Florida, with only about 8% of agricultural land employing this practice over the winter. De Broughton, a crop consultant with 6 Gen Ag Services and a field agent for Nuseed, points out that the financial return on seed investment for cover crops is often not immediate. However, the benefits of cover cropping, particularly in coastal plain soils with limited organic matter, are undeniable.
Carinata, as a high-residue biomass crop, contributes significantly to soil health. Its ability to scavenge nutrients and return a substantial amount of biomass to the soil makes it an attractive option for managing root nematodes, a major agricultural concern in the area.
Challenges and Opportunities in Growing Carinata
While there is established guidance for successfully cultivating carinata, challenges remain. Collier acknowledges the difficulties in managing the planting and harvesting of its small seeds and controlling broadleaf weeds within a broadleaf crop. Broughton advises growers to view carinata not merely as a cover crop but as a crop requiring intermediate levels of management.
Developing Carinata Varieties for Crop Rotation
Integrating carinata into existing crop rotations presents another challenge. Breeders are working to create varieties with shorter growing seasons to fit better with crops like cotton and soybeans. Carinata’s sensitivity to certain herbicides, like those used in peanut farming, is a breeding focus, with resistance to these chemicals seen as a potential game-changer.
Nuseed’s Pioneering Role and Future Plans
Nuseed, a pioneer in carinata hybridization, has made significant strides in genetic advancement since acquiring Canadian-based Agrisoma carinata assets in 2019. The 2023 crop marks Nuseed’s second commercial season of carinata growth in the United States. This production, under contract, adheres to sustainable farming practices certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, potentially improving greenhouse gas savings by up to 80%.
Nuseed Carinata’s global expansion includes ongoing commercial production in Argentina and plans for Brazil, Europe, and Australia. The company aims to establish carinata as a sustainable alternative in various markets, responding to the growing demand for low-carbon alternatives to fossil oils.
Future Directions for Carinata in the U.S.
In the United States, awareness and adoption of carinata are still in their early stages. The Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata, a collaborative effort among universities, industry partners, and institutions, is working to promote carinata as a viable winter crop in the Southeast. With over 6,000 commercial acres in the 2022-23 U.S. season, the focus is now on optimizing cultivation practices and supporting the development of efficient sustainable aviation fuel production technologies.
Seepaul underscores the importance of collaborative efforts, policy incentives, and innovation in realizing carinata’s full carbon-saving potential. As research and commercialization efforts continue, carinata stands poised to become a key player in sustainable agriculture and biofuel production.