Abstract

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and re-emerging worldwide importance as medical providers and manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Hemp grown for all types of end-use (health supplement, fiber, and seed) contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some hemp varieties intended to produce a health supplement contain relatively high concentrations of a compound called cannabidiol (CBD), potentially 10-15%. The compound CBD has purported benefits such as relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, spasms, and other conditions. The CBD compound is the most concentrated in the female flower buds of the plant, however, it is also in the leaves and other plant parts as well.

To produce hemp for flower, the plant is generally grown intensively as a specialty crop and the flowers are cultivated for maximum growth. The various cannabinoids and terpenes concentrated in the flower buds are often extracted and incorporated into topical products (salves, lip balm, lotion) and food and is available in pill capsules, powder form, and more, which can be found in the market today. To help farmers succeed, agronomic research on hemp is needed in the United States. University of Vermont in partnership with the University of Maine evaluated the impact of five different nitrogen (N) application rates on the growth habit, yield, flower quality, and whole plant nutrient concentration of hemp.

Keywords

Vermont, University of Vermont, UVM Extension, Northwest Crops & Soils

Publication Date

3-2022

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