ARS researchers and their partners plan to conduct experiments to determine the economic benefits of precisely pinpointing compacted areas of Coastal Plain-type soils that are prevalent in the southeastern United States. Then they'll remedy compaction with targeted depths of tillage using global positioning systems to maintain locations within the fields. This research will help farmers develop economical and environmentally friendly methods for reducing excess soil compaction. For a new ARS-developed method for enzyme recycling that could amplify current uses of domestic animal fats and vegetable oils, as well as products derived from them. Manufacturers rely on imported castor oil for making certain commercial materials.
Castor oil is imported from South America, China, and India.
Enzymes used in this way are more stable and can be used repeatedly, which is more economical. Current processes rely on nonreusable enzymes that make the process more expensive. This technology allows manufacturers to improve the properties of domestic fats and oils for use in applications such as lubricants, greases, emulsifiers, and plasticizers. ARS scientists have expanded this research to include other enzymes, which are being used to convert oils, fats, and restaurant greases into biodiesel fuels and lubricants. Biodiesel products are a renewable alternative to petroleum-derived diesel fuels.