J. curcas is adapted to wide range of soils and can thrive on degraded, sandy, saline soils and even on rock cervices, but shows luxurious growth on drained soils with good aeration (Dagar et al. 2006) . Although the plant can grow on low nutrient content marginal soils, such as along streams, canals, river embankments, coastal lines, along roads and railway lines, the crop however requires phosphorus and nitro­gen fertilization in order to support a high biomass production (Daey Ouwens et al. 2007). Jatropha grows best on loamy soil while as clay soils become unsuitable, if climatic conditions cause water logging. Soil pH between 5.5 and 9.0 is considered optimal for growth (Foidl et al. 1996). Nutrient availability is affected significantly by soil proprieties such as EC, pH, CaCO3, organic C, and clay.

17.3.1 Climate

Jatropha thrives well in warm weather in temperature range of 20-27 °C and can tolerate severe heat. Although vulnerable to freeze damage, Jatropha can withstand short duration light frost. In extreme cold conditions, the plant drops its leaves. Tolerance to cold temperature increases with increase in age with older trees being more tolerant. Black frost severely damages older plants and can kill young plants (Nahar and Ozores-Hampton 2007). Little rain in summers favors proper seed ger­mination. A decrease in temperature on onset of rainy season induces flowering. Jatropha can be cultivated successfully in areas with sparse to heavy rainfall (Gubitz et al. 1999). Jatropha can be grown in subtropical/tropic areas, with 200-1,500 mm rainfall per annum (The Biomass Project 2000).

17.3.2 Propagation

Seeds and plant cuttings are means of propagation. Seeds or cutting twigs can be planted directly in the field. Germination is quick and better if seeds are soaked in cold water for 24 h (Kaushik et al. 2007). Nursery-grown seedlings produce seeds earlier than direct seeded ones and also have survival rate higher than later (Daey Ouwens et al. 2007). Seedlings can be planted in the field at the onset of the rains (Heller 1996) . Taproot development in seed raised plants confers more drought resistance to them in comparison to plants raised from cuttings (Achten et al. 2007) as it enables plant to extort moisture from deeper soil stratum. In intercropping systems, the tap root also reduces competition for nutrients and water between the different crops.