Abstract

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and is reemerging in worldwide importance as manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. The fiber has high tensile strength and can be used to create a variety of goods. Hemp stalks contain two types of fiber: bast and hurd. The bast fibers are the long fibers found in the bark layer of the hemp stalk and are best suited for textiles, nonwoven textiles, rope, insulation, bio-composites for vehicles, or paper. The hurd fiber comprises the woody core of the stem and are suited for building materials, such as hempcrete and particle boards, bedding materials, and absorbents.

For decades, U.S. entrepreneurs have been importing hemp fiber from China, and Eastern Europe. Industrial hemp is poised to be a “new” cash crop and market opportunity for Vermont farms. It is also versatile and suitable for rotation with other small grains and grasses. To help farmers succeed, agronomic research on hemp is needed, as much of the historical production knowledge for the region has been lost. Research needs to be conducted to determine best cropping practices for the region. In this trial, we evaluated the impact of four seeding rates on hemp fiber yield and quality.

Publication Date

2-2024

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