You must have something in your portfolio that grows.

Anthony Ward — CEO and Founder of Armajaro on Facebook.

4.4.1

The Basics

In recent years there has been increasing interest in developing energy crops with low requirements for fertilizers, pesticides, and energy. In addition, these crops provide better soil erosion control than conventional systems. Thus, initially Camelina as a crop turned out to be well suited to marginal soils. It is tolerant of low rainfall and can grow in areas unsuitable for food crops.

Camelina can be grown as a winter crop in areas with very mild winters. Camelina is short-seasoned (85-100 days) so that it can also be incorporated into double-cropping systems on agricultural land during cool periods of growth. Supporters of Camelina believe it can put an end to the “food-or-fuel” debate: crop yields are double those of soybeans. Its oil is more resistant to cold temperatures than other oils. The seedcake or Camelina meal leftovers after producing the oil is a perfect animal feed.

4.4.2

Rotation with Wheat

Camelina can be grown in rotation with wheat crops (double cropping). By planting Camelina in rotation with wheat, farmers can produce up to 100 gallons of Camelina oil per acre, while simultaneously the wheat crop yields are increased by 15% as well.

For wheat farmers, it is a natural short crop that can be grown following spring wheat and adds value to land. For cotton farmers and others with starved soils, it is a tolerant crop that produces a good, fast yield. A superior byproduct is Camelina seedcake and the rich, virgin oil that performs well in cold climates is an excellent source of biodiesel, as the blending of renewable diesel becomes more and more mandatory all over the world. It is a smart, steady play for a farmer looking to increase their income, fertilize the soil further by avoiding monocropping, and ultimately do better financially.

4.4.3