Hemp is particularly suitable for organic cultivation. The focus lies on oil production and the use of hemp nuts for protein meal. For this purpose, small-growing varieties with a large inflorescence are on the market, such as the common variety Finola. This variety has great advantages in terms of good harvestability and a versatile use. From an agronomic point of view, however, it has the disadvantage of not covering the soil for a long time, or only covering it slightly. When ripening, more light reaches the soil, which leads to weeds and contaminates the harvest.
Hemp can be sown in different row spacing and seed densities. Common row widths range from 12 cm with a grain drill to 50 cm with precision seeding. The recommended seed rate varies between 8 and 25 kg/ha.
In this project, the aforementioned issues are investigated in order to improve the cultivation of hemp, especially weed control. For this purpose, different sowing and cultivation techniques are compared.
Project lead
