Estimation of carbon footprint in Jatropha curcas seed production

Biofuel from plants is claimed to be carbon neutral where unlike fossil fuel, carbon dioxide produced from the combustion of biofuel is the same carbon dioxide assimilated by the plant during photosynthesis. Among the plants that are attracting attention nowadays is Jatropha curcas. However, before biofuel from Jatropha curcas could be labeled as carbon neutral, carbon dioxide emission and/or sequestration from all sources of the production chain must first be quantified. A study was therefore carried out to quantify carbon fixation through biomass dry matter production of Jatropha curcas, to compare the carbon balance between area cultivated with Jatropha curcas and area that was not converted to Jatropha curcas plantation and, to eventually determine the carbon footprint of Jatropha curcas seed production.