Is anyone studying the use of kudzu as a feed stock for bio-fuels?

I hear it's going places!

we have lots of kudzu here

Are you in Georgia?

The root produces a pretty pure starch and that means it can easily be converted to ethanol.

:thumbsup:

http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=202385

http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=215918

edit to add 2nd one and this quote from it:

"...Based on the yield data and carbohydrate concentration, we estimate wild kudzu stands in Alabama and Georgia could produce 5 to 10 tons of carbohydrate per hectare, which would rival carbohydrate production from corn and sugar cane fields, but without the costs associated with planting, fertilizer and pesticides. Wild kudzu thus has the potential to economically supplement existing bioethanol feedstocks, which could be of local significance to the rural economy of the southeastern USA."

today. Up here in New York the talk is all about swamp willows.

Does kudzu actually enhance soil fertility or was it introduced strictly for erosion control?

I don't know if it's not up here in NY because it's not cold-tolerant enough, or if it just hasn't made it up here yet.

As far as I know it was just for erosion control - I grew up in the south and it was taking over roadsides. I don't think it's a legume (Nitrogen-fixer) so I don't think it does anything for soil fertility, but I could be wrong. I imagine the viney material is kind of tough and doesn't break down fast (though the leaves might) so I doubt it's doing much for soil carbon either.

On edit - oops, it is a legume, so does fix N.

http://www.biology.duke.edu/bio217/2002/bmm10/kudzu.htm

But an invasive N-fixer can overpower and outcompete native plants, so the soil fertility boost might not be worth it. That's happened in parts of Hawaii, invasive N-fixers taking over.

I was walking out back with my husband and I pointed out several plants I've never seen before.....

Why are we so stuck on stupid with corn ethanol? We could have locallly produced ethanol supplying local areas. it would do wonders for local economies - make us more energey efficient all around, and make us closer to energy independent.

Our entire agricultural economy is based on producing and using vast quantities of corn. It makes no sense but there it is.

We should eat it into oblivion :rofl:.

http://home.att.net/~ejlinton/jelly.html
http://grandpappy.info/rkudzu.htm
http://www.geocities.com/kudzufest/kudzurecipes.html

You have a deficiency of kudzu-eaters

sorta like "alien" weeds ain't caused by a deficiency of poisonous spray

Maybe I can find my Grandma's house again to visit.
I won't reconize where I'm living if they take it down.
That stupid Lindsey Graham needs to make himself useful
and work on a bill to do it instead of playing "Me and My
Shadow" with McCain and LIEberman.
SC will never lack an energy source if so.:hi:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/717A2BKGS7L._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.gif
http://www.amazon.com/Kudzu-Cuisine-Juanitta-Baldwin/dp/1880308231/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218647987&sr=8-3
Let me know if you need some so you can try these recipes.
I don't eat that crap. I prefer poke salad.

Driving near the Triadelphia Reservoir in Maryland yesterday, I spotted some humongous vines covering the roadsides and climbing up into the trees. At first I thought it might be porcelainberry, wild grape or greenbriar, but when I got closer I saw that it had a three-leaf structure resembling one of my bean plants. I'd seen pictures, and realized that this incredible green monster was the infamous kudzu.

Holy smoke, it's impressive.

BTW, it IS a legume

and it's DEFINITELY going places.

He is violently allergic and mows it down whenever he spots it.

Snow melts. Kudzu is forever. It can take up to 10 years to get
rid of 1 vine. You have to dig out the root. I wouldn't plant
it to try to help anything. It would take over. It is a botanical
Godzilla.

blue skies, light breeze, high expected to be 78, low tonight 57. We'll probably get a thunderstorm after dark, just enough to keep the gardens lush and the lawns green. It's been that way all summer except for a brief hot spell in early July.


We like to talk up the snow just to keep the real estate prices down!

It can grow over a foot a day.

A forest in there somewhere.


A cabin


2 tractor trailers


Roadside


A tree


http://www.jjanthony.com/kudzu/

somewhere in Crawford, TX

Choosing a Plot
Kudzu can be grown almost anywhere, so site selection is not the problem it is with some other finicky plants like strawberries. Although kudzu will grow quite well on cement, for best result you should select an area having at least some dirt. To avoid possible lawsuits, it is advisable to plant well away from your neighbors house, unless, of course, you don't get along well with your neighbor anyway.

Preparing the Soil
Go out and stomp on the soil for a while just to get its attention and to prepare it for kudzu.

Deciding When to Plant
Kudzu should always be planted at night. If kudzu is planted during daylight hours, angry neighbors might see you and begin throwing rocks at you.

Selecting the Proper Fertilizer
The best fertilizer I have discovered for kudzu is 40 weight non-detergent motor oil. Kudzu actually doesn't need anything to help it grow, but the motor oil helps to prevent scraping the underside of the tender leaves when the kudzu starts its rapid growth. It also cuts down on the friction and lessens the danger of fire when the kudzu really starts to move. Change oil once every thousand feet or every two weeks which ever comes first.

Mulching the Plants
Contrary to what may be told by the Extension Service, kudzu can profit from a good mulch. I have found that a heavy mulch for the young plants produces a hardier crop. For best results, as soon as the young shoots begin to appear, cover kudzu with concrete blocks. Although this causes a temporary setback, your kudzu will accept this mulch as a challenge and will reward you with redoubled determination in the long run.

Organic or Chemical Gardening
Kudzu is ideal for either the organic gardener or for those who prefer to use chemicals to ward off garden pests. Kudzu is oblivious to both chemicals and pests. Therefore, you can grow organically and let the pests get out of the way of the kudzu as best they can, or you can spray any commercial poison directly on your crop. Your decision depends on how much you enjoy killing bugs. The kudzu will not mind either way.

Crop Rotation
Many gardeners are understandably concerned that growing the same crop year after year will deplete the soil. If you desire to change from kudzu to some other plant next year, now is the time to begin preparations. Right now, before the growing season has reached its peak, you should list your house and lot with a reputable real estate agent and begin making plans to move elsewhere. Your chances of selling will be better now than they will be later in the year, when it may be difficult for a prospective buyer to realize that underneath those lush green vines stands an adorable three-bedroom house.

http://www.kudzuworld.com/Kudzu/GardeningTips.EN.aspx

That gave me the heebie jeebies it was so realistic!:rofl:

in my yard. I can bale that crap. No matter how much you pull twice as much will grow in its place. Unlimited and renewable biomass.

this thread shall not die.

I meant "XIII"!

tons of money on it, it will never pass the US Government test.
You could make alcohol out of garbage, too, but where's the profit in that?
mark