From March through October we grow kenaf for biomass power generation. It is planted in the late spring and harvested in October- although it could stay in the field longer.
Kenaf can grow upwards of 15-20 feet tall in 6 months. One acre can produce as much as 25 wet tons of biomass in 6 months- making it one of the fastest growing plants in the world.
Requiring no irrigation or substantial inputs, it is suited for Florida’s climate perfectly. In addition we are able to use equipment common in Florida for harvest and planting.
Kenaf has a very high burn value and low ash content. Local power plants and waste-to-fuel facilities buy and burn this high fiber product by the ton, and high BTU pellets can be made that further increase its value.
Kenaf also has tremendous future potential as a dedicated carbon credit trading crop. Studies have shown it to sequester as much as 10 tons of carbon per acre. As domestic carbon credit trading becomes a reality, farmers will be able to reap profits from crops like kenaf.
