A Detailed Explanation of Hemp Cultivation Methods and Technical Key Points

Hemp has a very long cultivation history. The first artificial cultivation took place in China during the Han Dynasty. Hemp is a natural fiber, and in the past many clothes were made from hemp. Its breathability and heat dissipation functions are both very good, and now other values of hemp have also been developed. Hemp, which was originally rather rare, has once again become a relatively hot product, and hemp cultivation is also increasingly popular. So today let us follow Qinong Web to take a look at how hemp is cultivated.

1. Select good seeds

Although for a very long period the prospects for hemp cultivation were not very good, there were still quite a few people cultivating it, and during cultivation there are always all kinds of problems. Therefore, hemp varieties have also undergone many years of improvement, and now there are already many varieties of hemp. So when choosing varieties, we should try to choose seeds with relatively plump grains, relatively uniform size, and relatively good color. Second, although hemp has good resistance, we still need to analyze the climate and environment of the planting site, and then choose the best variety. After all, the quality of the seeds is the foundation of whether the yield will be high or low.

2. Land selection and land preparation

For hemp cultivation, it is best to choose soil with relatively sufficient fertility, relatively strong water storage capacity, and relatively good permeability. Sandy soil conforms to these characteristics. Second, the soil pH should be moderate. Most importantly, hemp growth requires sufficient sunlight, so it is best to choose a sunny location. When preparing the land, pay attention to plowing the land as deeply as possible, then break the soil up finely. Finally, the land needs to be opened into beds, generally 1.5 m wide, and then field ditches need to be made, generally 20 to 30 cm wide. In this way the drainage system is relatively complete, making drainage and field management convenient later.

3. Reasonable sowing

We generally sow in March and April each year and in July and August each year, because by then the soil temperature has basically reached about 10 to 15°C, which just meets the basic conditions for hemp growth. Before sowing, we first need to treat the seeds, which is beneficial for seed germination. The method is actually very simple: just put the seeds in the sun to dry for five or six hours and then sow them. There are three sowing methods. The one we most commonly use is drilling, which is both simple and convenient for management. Next there are broadcasting and hole sowing, which can be chosen according to one's own planting habits. After scattering the seeds into the field, we need to cover them with a thin layer of soil, and then cover them with a layer of straw or plastic film, so that hemp will germinate faster.

4. Scientific fertilization

Hemp is different from other crops. Apart from base fertilizer, it only needs two topdressings. The first is when hemp has grown 5 to 6 cm, mainly to promote seedlings, so we mainly use urea, and apply the topdressing by broadcasting. The second is when hemp has grown to about 30 cm. This period is the fastest stage in its growth cycle, so we can apply an appropriate amount of urea at this time, which can speed up its growth.

5. Field management

Field management generally includes weeding, watering and irrigation and drainage, and pest and disease control. Weeding is actually relatively simple: each time fertilization is done is the time to weed, so that nutrients can be absorbed more easily, and at the same time the soil is given some air, which can enhance hemp's disease resistance. Hemp growth also needs a certain amount of water, especially when it is growing most vigorously. Basically, it needs to be watered once every three days, while at ordinary times it is basically watered once every ten days or so. When there is relatively abundant rainfall, we need to drain the water in time, and waterlogging must not appear in the field. Finally, there is pest and disease control. The most common diseases are damping-off, Rhizoctonia rot, and downy mildew, which we can control with Bordeaux mixture, chlorothalonil, and propamocarb aqueous solution respectively. The pests are generally flea beetles and weevils, which we can control directly with trichlorfon solution.