|
As the worlds most useful plant Bamboo is far from being just an ornamental garden species. Utilised in other cultures for thousands of years, Bamboo is emerging as a viable 21st century crop.
EDIBLE SHOOTS
Commercial growers of edible Bamboo shoots
are reporting healthy profits within
the Australian market. Furthermore
research and test marketing is being undertaken into the lucrative export market.
TIMBER
Demand for Bamboo timber and timber products
are also increasing at a rapid rate. Bamboo is proving to be a viable
resource for timber, furniture, flooring,
and woodchip and paper production worldwide. Modern technology is continually finding new applications for the use of this extremely versatile plant.
ENVIRONMENTAL/FARM USE
It has also been found that as a plant Bamboo
is among the world’s best to be utilised for conversion
of waste products (e.g. nutrient run-off from piggeries, dairies etc).
Bamboo is super-efficient at converting the waste nutrient
into plant growth avoiding potential damage to eco-systems.
With Bamboo’s shallow matted root system it is also proving to be an
excellent plant for erosion control. Add to this its value as a fodder
crop, windbreak and on
site timber supply, and the abundant
usefulness of Bamboo is evident. As the world becomes aware of the usefulness
of Bamboo as a clean,
green, renewable product demand is set to expand even
further. |
