HEMP AGRONOMY

The seed, about the size of a peppercorn, should be sown at a rate to achieve a plant population of approximately 180 stems per square metre. This is essential to produce thin stems and good quality fibre. Hemp should be drilled after the risk of hard frosts has passed and when soil temperatures have reached 10°C plus. This can normally be expected from the third week of April onwards and crops have been drilled successfully up to the beginning of June. Consider leaving a 1m gap round the headland, this will help with inspection of the crop and facilitates mowing.

Like all small seeded crops Hemp requires a well prepared and friable seedbed. Endeavour to drill into moisture rather than into a dry seedbed in the hope of moisture. On all but the lightest soils land should be ploughed in the Autumn and left to over winter. Emergence should occur 5-7 days after drilling. Crops that establish quickly and evenly will rapidly grow away from any pest and weed problems. In a dry spring careful attention should be given to moisture retention. Hemp will not penetrate through soils that are compacted or capped so drilling depth (normally 2-3cms) and soil conditions are critical. Pigeons are a serious pest at the very early stage of plant growth. They must be kept off until the plant is past the cotyledon stage and has the first true leaves. This will occur in the space of a few days.

Nitrogen is a vital component and we would recommend the following fertiliser application rates:
     Heavy soils - 112N    50P    88K    Kgs/Ha
     Light soils -  112N    75P    100K  Kgs/Ha
Hemp is not a greedy crop and returns a substantial quantity of nutrients to the soil. As Hemp thrives on organic matter there may be good opportunities both agronomic and financial, to utilise Sewage Biosolids as a source of nutrients. Because of the need to comply with the protocols and audit trails of our end fibre users and the UK Environmental Regulations, no applications of Sewage Biosolids will be allowed without prior approval. We recommend checking the lime status and avoiding situations where pH is less than 6.0.