Kenaf and Agroresidues - Bio energy OnLine Newsletter
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The Internet Newsletter about kenaf and agroresidues is now available on
a free subscription basis.
This is a biweekly OnLine Newsletter about kenaf and agroresidues for
development. You can be included on the list to receive Kenaf OnLine
if you have an interest in either kenaf, agroresidues, EcoAgroForestry,
sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry or rural agroindustrial
development.
Feel free to contribute articles, information and questions.
Introduction To Kenaf
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a warm season annual closely related
to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).
Kenaf can be used as a domestic supply of cordage fiber in the
manufacture of rope, twine, carpet backing and burlap. Research, in the
early 1940s, focused on - the development of high-yielding
anthracnose-resistant varieties, cultural practices and harvesting
machinery. During the 1950s, kenaf was identified as a promising fiber
source for paper pulp. Kenaf fibers have been processed into high
quality newsprint and bond paper. Although kenaf is usually considered
a fiber crop, research indicates that it has high protein content and,
therefore, is a potential livestock feed. Crude protein in kenaf leaves
ranged from 21 to 34 percent, stalk crude protein ranged from 10 to 12
percent, and whole-plant crude protein ranged from 16 to 23 percent.
Kenaf can be ensilaged effectively, and it has satisfactory
digestibility with a high percentage of digestible protein.
Digestibility of dry matter and crude proteins in kenaf feeds ranged
from 53 to 58 percent, and 59 to 71 percent, respectively Kenaf meal,
used as a supplement in a rice ration for sheep, compared favorably with
a ration containing alfalfa meal.
In addition to the use of kenaf for cordage, paper pulp and livestock
feed researchers have investigated its use as poultry litter and animal
bedding, bulking agent for sewage sludge composting and as a potting
soil amendment. Additional products include automobile dashboards,
carpet padding, corrugated medium, as a "substitute for fiberglass and
other synthetic fibers," building materials (particle boards of various
densities, thicknesses, and fire and insect resistances), absorbents,
textiles and as fibers in extraction molded plastics.
If you want to receive this weekly update OnLine newsletter on kenaf
happenings as well as How to do it articles, just send to Dr. Carol
Cross at solync@cei.net.
Kenaf OnLine (KENAFOL) is a World Wide Web/Internet NetMag focused on
creating a Sustainable world through kenaf and agroresidues for Rural
Agroindustrial Centers (RAICs), Village Business Incubators(VBIs) and
Tropical Cut and Carry Teams (TCCTs). KENAFOL will be developed just
like any print magazine. You can contribute articles, ask questions and
develop your kenaf expertise at no cost to you.
Subscriptions are open to anyone intereted in kenaf and agroresidues.
Just send email to solync@cei.net and say:
subscribe KENAFOL
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