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Kenaf Online Newsletter (fwd)



---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 14 Jul 1996 18:15:11 -0500
From: carol cross <solync@cei.net>
To: agenvir-l@io.com
Subject: Kenaf Online Newsletter

Kenaf OnLine Newsletter
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 valuable 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.  It is a free service 
of the Kenaf Growers Network (KGN), a membership organization of kenaf 
growers, processors and users.
Subscriptions are open to anyone interested in kenaf and AgroResidues.  
Just send email to solync@cei.net and say:

subscribe KENAFOL