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Growing hemp

Why grow hemp?

Hemp is a fascinating plant and renewable resource used in a variety of important and valuable commercial products. Hemp is a renewable resource that can be grown with minimal impact on the environment.

Hemp is beneficial for weed control, crop rotation, soil structure, and biodiversity, and it sequesters carbon dioxide. It requires no use of pesticides, making it well-suited for organic farming. It offers good economic returns, serves as an excellent rotational crop, and is self-regenerating.
Hemp is a crop grown throughout Europe. In recent years, the area dedicated to hemp cultivation has increased significantly in the EU, from 19,970 hectares in 2015 to 34,960 hectares in 2019 (an increase of 75%). During the same period, hemp production increased from 94,120 tonnes to 152,820 tonnes (an increase of 62.4%).
Hemp is used to make various commercial and industrial products and can return nutrients to the soil and bind carbon more efficiently than most other agricultural crops.
Breaks the disease cycle
Hemp helps to break the disease cycle when used in crop rotation. In addition, the hemp plants are fast-growing and shading, which means that weeds cannot grow.
Less pesticides
Hemp has a low susceptibility to pests because it lacks natural enemies, which means that in most cases there is no need to use insecticides, weeds and fungicides.
Biodiversity
The flowering time usually occurs between July and September. They also offer shelter for birds and the hemp seeds provide food for animals.
Minimal waste
Almost the entire hemp plant can be used

Hemp improves the soil

Hemp is a useful crop for sustainable agriculture by improving soil structure, adding nutrients, and contributing to carbon sequestration.
Structure of the soil
The hemp roots (taproot) penetrate deep into the ground and help improve its structure. This increases soil porosity and water retention, which is beneficial for other crops.
Supply of nutrients
Hemp plants absorb nutrients from the soil, including nitrogen and phosphorus. When hemp is harvested and used as fertilizer or returned to the soil as organic matter, these nutrients are returned to the soil.
Weed control
Hemp plants grow quickly and cover densely, which reduces the growth of andweeds. This can reduce the use of herbicides and help maintain health.
Carbon Bonding
Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during its growth. When hemp is used in various products or if it is recycled as organic matter, it helps to sequester carbon in the soil and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Cultivation year - March to October

Sowing
From March and throughout April. 30-50 seedlings/m! 2.
Germination
No weed control is done
Fertilizing
If you need to fertilize, this should be done before the hemp becomes too high
Growth
Hemp grows out of any weeds
Harvest
In early August to about August 20, the hemp should be cut
Turning
The hemp should be turned over to undergo a good digestion
Swathing
Swaths takes place before pressing
Baling and collection
All bales are square bales
Warehousing
Happens under roof and dry
Sowing
From March and throughout April. 30-50 seedlings/m! 2.
Genesis
No weed control is done
Fertilizing
If you need to fertilize, this should be done before the hemp becomes too high
Growth
Hemp grows out of any weeds
Chopping
In early August to about August 20, the hemp should be cut
flipping
The hemp should be turned over to undergo a good digestion
Stringing
Takes place before pressing
Baling and collection
All bales are square bales
Stockpiling
Happens under roof

Hemp Fertilization

When growing hemp, we recommend using YaraMila
Nutrient loss in the case of a harvest of 9000 kg
Nitrogen approx. 90 — 110 kg/ha
Phosphorus about 25 — 40 kg/ha
Potassium about 70 — 100 kg/ha
Fertilizing recommendations
Fertilizing when sowing approx. 100 kg Nitrogen with NPK
For example, 27-3-5 (370 kg of goods)
Completion of Kali
Ex Kalisalt K50 (100 kg product)
Summary
100kg N, 11kg P, 68kg K
Remember to match the fertilizer with the nutrient values from soil samples.

Plant quantity for optimal fiber hemp

To maximize fiber yield when growing industrial hemp, it is common to recommend a lower plant count per square meter.
A common guideline value for industrial hemp is between 15-25 plants per square meter. By having fewer seedlings, each plant gets more room to develop larger and longer fibers.
The thousandth grain weight is _____

Harvesting and harvesting methods

To achieve the optimal harvest of fiber hemp, it is important to wait until the plants have stopped growing in height and that the fibers have reached their maximum length. This usually occurs when the plants reach maturity and begin to flower. Harvesting should be done before the seedlings begin to lose their leaves and the seeds ripen.
In the case of rooting in the field, it may be advisable to leave the hemp fiber for about 4-6 weeks, depending on weather conditions and humidity levels. During this time, microorganisms and natural processes will break down the non-fibrous materials in the hemp plant, making it easier to separate the fibers from the wood and other parts of the plant.
It is important to regularly monitor the digestion process and make sampling to assess when the fibres have reached a suitable level for pressing and storage. Try squeezing a few fibers to see if they are soft enough and easy enough to break loose from the other plant parts.
Technical details - Harvesting machine
Model
Laumetris KP — 4
Working speed
About 14 - 20 km/h (8-11 mp/h)
castors
520/50-17
Type
Towed type harvester
Cutting units
4 pcs
Transport width
2.5 meterWeight: 4400 kg
Operating width
2.8 meters
Distance between cutters
600mm (2ft)
Proposed HP
180hp, with sufficient 3pt lifting capacity

Hemp Retting

When it comes to determining whether the hemp fiber is retted and ready to be pressed into large bales, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are some indications to watch for:
Colour
The rotted hemp fiber usually has a brownish or yellowish color. If the fibers still have a greenish color, they may need more time for rotting.
Smell
Rotted hemp has a characteristic earth-like odor. If it still smells fresh or green, it may be in need of more time for rotting.
The strength of the fibers
Rotted hemp usually has stronger and more flexible fibers compared to immature hemp. You can test pulling some fibers to assess their strength.

Turning and baling

In order to obtain an efficient and qualitative baler pressing, it is important to use appropriate equipment and technology.
Anything that rotates and spins the hemp can wrap itself around, making sure to have access to a stringing machine and a baler to suit the specific needs of the hemp.
All bales should be square bales, Dimensions 120 x 90 x 235 are preferred

Hemp storage

When it comes to storing retted hemp fiber, it is important to ensure that it is completely dry to avoid mold or rotting. Be sure to store it in a dry and weathered place where it can be preserved in the best way.
The storage allowance is calculated monthly
Deliveries will be made according to a delivery plan drawn up by Ekolution.

Approved Seed Varieties

Bialobrzeskie

Henola

Soil Types for Industrial Hemp

Industrial hemp is adaptable but thrives best on soils with good drainage and abundant nutrient availability.
Topsoils
Topsoils soils are usually well-drained and rich in organic matter. They have good ability to retain moisture while providing essential nutrients for hemp growth. Before sowing the hemp on topsoil, you should process these properly to enter heat and oxygen into the soil.
Sandy soil
Sandy soils are well-drained and usually have good airiness. They can be beneficial to the hemp by avoiding excess moisture and reducing the risk of root problems. When it comes to drought on lighter soils, hemp is relatively hardy and can handle periods of lower water availability. However, as with all crops, drought can affect growth and harvest.
Clay soil
Clay soils have the ability to hold water and nutrients, which is beneficial for the hemp. They are able to provide a stable supply of water and nutrients to the plants. Important that the hemp may be sensitive to soil compaction.
The optimum pH value of hemp in the soil is usually between 6.0 and 7.0. This area is considered beneficial to ensure that the plants can absorb nutrients efficiently and thrive.

Economic conditions for industrial hemp

Contact

Processing / Factory
Henrik Jacobsson
0735198022
henrik.jacobsson@ekolution.se
Cultivation / Harvest
Holger Asarsson
0735198026
holger.assarsson@ekolution.se