• Disclaimer and reservation
• Jatropha Curcas general data
• Generative propagation
• Vegetative propagation
• Intercropping
• Spacing / density
• Mowing
• Survival rate and stress conditions
• Pruning, clipping, cutting and car
• Flower and Fruit bearing
• Pollination
• Pest and diseases
• Fertilizing
• Fruit Harvesting
• Jatropha Bio-mass purposes
• Manure purposes
• Other purposes
• Oil expelling and purification process

Propagation methods: intercropping

In combination with annual crops (intercropping), the root system of the Jatropha plant is of special importance. The tap root of directly seeded plants competes less with the roots of the annual crop than the root system of pre-cultivated plants, propagated by seeds, or cuttings planted directly. The root system of cuttings is less suitable for intercropping than that of the seeded plants (seedlings). Cuttings don’t have a pen root, but more lateral (side) roots which needs more space rather than depth. Unfortunately the Jatropha plant cannot be intercropped with Cassava, since the cassava plant belongs to the same Euphorbia family of plants as the Jatropha. For that reason the Jatropha can be a host for viruses, noxious insects and diseases from Cassava (cassava superelongation disease) which will kill mature Jatropha plants. Therefore Jatropha should not be intercropping or used as fence in cassava fields.

1. With trees

As an intercropping plant, Jatropha can also be planted together with some types of trees. The distance of trees are 6m x 12m or 139 tree per ha. While Jatropha planted in between trees, with about 2m x 2m in distance.(2500 p.ha)

2. With other agriculture crop

Jatropha can grow along with other crops, like corn, chili, peanut, and soy. This will contribute to the reduction of plant diseases like pests and realization of crop diversification (Intercropping). The distance between Jatropha and other crops is rather wide, for example the JCL plants are placed as 2x2m, 2,5x2,5m, 2x3m, 3x3m, or 2x4m. While distance of corn is 1x0.5m, and 1.5x 1.5m for chili pepper. Consequently is giving room for intercropping. A wider distance allows plants to produce more fruit, at least in 2 years. (While at the close one, spacing is needed.)