The USDA announced June 30 that it will expand crop insurance for camelina crops in direct response to the anticipated increase in demand for camelina as feedstock to produce SAF.
Only camelina grown under contract with a biofuel processor is eligible for insurance coverage.
Camelina is a nonfood crop that will provide a very low carbon feedstock to produce SAF and will produce a high protein animal feed as a by-product.
Benchmark is developing a grain sorghum farming program in North Carolina that will include designing a crop rotation strategy with camelina.
CAMELINA AS A ROTATION CROP
Camelina (Camelina sativa) is considered a beneficial rotation crop when farming grain sorghum. It offers several potential advantages as part of a rotation strategy.
Potential benefits of using Camelina as a rotation crop for grain sorghum:
1. Diversification: Including camelina in the rotation can help diversify the cropping system, which can have positive effects on pest and disease management. Different crops attract different pests and pathogens, so rotating crops can disrupt pest life cycles and reduce the buildup of specific pests and diseases that may affect grain sorghum.
2. Weed suppression: Camelina has shown some potential for weed suppression due to its ability to form a dense canopy. It can compete with and suppress weeds, potentially reducing the weed pressure in subsequent grain sorghum crops.
3. Nutrient cycling: Camelina has a deep taproot system that can access nutrients from deeper soil layers. When grown as a rotation crop, it can scavenge nutrients that may have accumulated at different soil depths, making them available for subsequent crops like grain sorghum.
4. Soil health improvement: The deep root system of camelina can also help improve soil structure and increase organic matter content. Its residues, when incorporated into the soil after harvest, contribute to organic matter accumulation, enhancing soil fertility and moisture retention.
5. Biofuels Market potential: Camelina has gained attention as an oilseed crop with various potential uses, including biofuels and livestock feed. Growing camelina as a rotation crop may provide additional revenue streams for farmers, diversifying income sources.
Note: The by-product (cake) of Camelina after oil processing is rich in protein suitable for animal feed.
Key considerations regarding growing Camelina in North Carolina:
1. Climate: Camelina is adaptable to a wide range of climates, including temperate regions. In North Carolina, it can generally be grown as a cool-season crop. It prefers cool temperatures during its early growth stages, typically germinating and establishing well in temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 60°F (15.5°C). However, it can tolerate higher temperatures during its flowering and seed development stages.
2. Growing Season: In North Carolina, camelina can be sown in late winter or early spring, depending on the specific location and climate conditions. It requires a growing season of approximately 90-100 days from planting to harvest.
3. Soil Requirements: Camelina can adapt to various soil types, including sandy loam, loam, and clay loam soils. Well-drained soils with good fertility and organic matter content are generally favorable for camelina cultivation.
4. Crop Management: Proper crop management practices are crucial for successful camelina cultivation. Adequate soil preparation, including seedbed preparation and weed control, is important. Irrigation may be necessary during dry periods, especially during the establishment phase. Additionally, it's essential to select suitable camelina cultivars adapted to the local climate and to follow recommended planting and harvesting techniques.
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