Alcoa Geo Genics Tree
Carbon Tree
The proprietary tree is from the genus of the Paulownia tree that has
been genetically modified but still carries the characteristics of the
tree of origin. These would show the following tr5aits:
There are other characteristics that include an 8500/ton BTU value
and when burned, the by-products generated compared to other
materials are as follows:
When Question about Carbon Sequestration the DARPA study
define that as the following:
Currently, carbon sequestration for the state of California will be
designed by measuring the growth rate (Height) times Mass and
then adding the size of the canopy and then is calculated to give a
carbon capture rate. Current carbon capture numbers show a
standard Paulownia sequestering approximately 800 lbs per year in
normal soils and weather. Our belief is that number will increase
because of three accelerants we use, Huma-cleanse, Our GMO
process and then growth modifiers. Our standard growth
expectations are:
800 X 1.25 (Huma-Cleanse) = 1000 lbs. X 1.6 (GMO)= 1600 tons
1600 X 1.15 (Growth modifier) = 1840 lbs
Alcoa believes these calculations are achievable but will take time to
validate.
DARPA concluded that the following items pertaining to the original
Paulownia:
1) Paulownia is a C4 tree species, native to China, which is of
considerable interest due to its high rate of growth.
2) Paulownia can grow as single stemmed trees planted at a low
density for timber production or planted at higher density and
coppiced for biomass production.
3) When optimum conditions prevail in terms of light and water,
Paulownia is at the top of the list for fast growing trees.
4) Although it is currently grown in warmer climatic zones, it is
reported it can be modified to grow in most climates.
5) Paulownia is grown mainly in China, Japan, Australia and the
United States.
6) Paulownia can be used as a wood chip to be pyrolyzed or used
in the production of cellulosic ethanol.
7) The leaves and flowers have high value uses in the
pharmaceutical industry.
8) The leaves can be ensiled and offered to cattle and sheep.
(Ensiled means to turn (green fodder) into silage by causing it
to ferment in a closed pit or silo.)
9) Australia is currently leading the way for research and
development of many different Paulownia varieties.
10) The most popular variety is the tomentosa and is grown
throughout the world.
11) The best way to propagate the Paulownia tomentosa is
through seeds but this leads to envasive species and most
growers prefer to plant through root cuttings.
12) Genetically the apical bud of the Paulownia is susceptible to
frost and measures need to be taken to protect and address
this.
13) You may to choose poplars to windrow on the outer boarder
to protect the forest from trees blowing over.
14) The natural characteristics of the tree are the roots grow deep
and have an absorptive nature ideal for soil remediation.
15) Paulownia prefers light/sandy soils such as sands, shale or
chalk. It tends to lag behind in heavy clays and can die in
waterlogged soils. This is why we require the Huma-cleanse
products to open the clays for successful forests.
16) The tree offers intercropping opportunities for especially the
biomass models because you keep opening the adjacent rows
each year by cutting the trees to be pyrolyzed.
17) The trees in China are harvested at year ten for lumber and
have a diameter breast of 30 to 40 cetntimeters.
18) China typically intercrops wheat because there is little
nutrient between crops.
19) The highest uses tend to be winter wheat and oilseed rape
because the trees tend to go dormant during their growth
cycles.
20) The tree regenerates from its stump and thus we claim a
renewable forest.
21) The tree offers the highest natural sequestration units when
compared to any other natural sourced plants.
22) Paulownia plantations offer a significant uptake of nitrogen
and other minerals/metals and then can be utilized for bioremediation purposes.
23) It is excellent when used for windbreaks, pest control, soil
erosion and dust remediation.
There are certain things you need to understand in your site
selection and tree management business and they are:
1) Soil types – Clay loam to sandy loam. Do not plant into heavy
clays without multiple applications of Huma-cleanse or other
porosity creating products.
2) Rainfall – Generally, 30 to 50 inches annually is ideal. The
perfect growing conditions are when the rain comes in the
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summer, the main growing time of the tree. The best possible
scenario is for drip irrigation systems providing one gallon of
water per tree per day. This is critical for the first several years
of growth.
pH levels – 6.5 – 7.5 is ideal and they are happy in soils as low
as 5.0 but it is not optimum for the forest.
Topography – For heavier soils, gently rolling hilss of at least
10 degrees are preferable to ensure adequate drainage. For
lighter soils flat surfaces are fine as long as you have at least 1.5
meters of drainage during the wet season. Huma-cleanse after
two years will provide that drainage but must be careful before.
Windbreaks – Desirable for the young Paulownia’s due to their
extremely large leaves but they are susceptible to wind damage.
Pests – Tree guards are suggested because natural wildlife can
damage young trees.
Temperature – The tree can adapt to a wide variety of climates
but will stop growing when temperature reach -20 C.
Wind – Young trees are susceptible to high winds so outer rows
need to be planted with protection barriers.
Altitude – is a very critical issue and must be planted below
2400 meters but the sweet spot is under 1500 meters.