Crop rotation
There have been several experiments done concerning the use of hemp in crop rotation. And so far, the results have been rather positive. Hemp does not use a lot of nutrients, and thus does not need to be fertilised heavily. This reduces the pressure of the fertilisers on the soil and let it recover. Another advantage of hemp, is that it has a taproot, this penetrates the soil and allows for better aeration and ability to take up water by the soil. The deep penetration of the soil also reduces the presence of nematodes and fungi. Other advantages of using hemp in crop rotation, is the suppression of weeds due to the complete lack of sun, blocked by the high of the plant.
In Spain, an experiment on the relation between of crop rotation between hemp and wheat and growth showed an increase of at least 1350 kg in wheat yield if it was planted after hemp. (Ecological benefits of hemp and flax cultivation and products, 2011) Another experiment conducted by Bócsa and Karus in 1998, concluded the increase in production of wheat when it was planted after hemp, they noted an increase of 15-20 %.
Inter cropping / poly culture
In inter cropping or polyculture situations, hemp is mostly used to as a shade provider because of its height. this allow the production of crop that can not handle too much sunlight in places where sunlight is abundant. But there are also other qualities of hemp that make it a good companion plant.
Hemp gives of chemicals that have long been associated with reducing pest and disease levels in crops. It can reduce caterpillar damage in a variety of crops including cabbage with which it was often traditionally planted as a border plant. In China a corn and summer squash inter crop is practised together with hemp to provide shade. After the corn and summer squash are harvested, the hemp is allowed to rapidly grow and produce a seed crop (harvested for its oil).
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So far, there is only spoken of hemp as a support plant to increase the production or circumstances for other plants, but there are also plants that can benefit the production of hemp.
The main companion plant that has raised interest,is stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) which has been said to increase essential oils in many plants. Another source suggested to inter crop hemp with turnip as a method to increase yields. To get rid of pests, in hemp plants, the following aromatic plants can have an effect: lavender, basil or garlic. Lastly, to counteract nutrient losses, cover crops, including sweet peas, alfalfa or fava beans, are the way to go. (massroots, 2017)
There have been several experiments done concerning the use of hemp in crop rotation. And so far, the results have been rather positive. Hemp does not use a lot of nutrients, and thus does not need to be fertilised heavily. This reduces the pressure of the fertilisers on the soil and let it recover. Another advantage of hemp, is that it has a taproot, this penetrates the soil and allows for better aeration and ability to take up water by the soil. The deep penetration of the soil also reduces the presence of nematodes and fungi. Other advantages of using hemp in crop rotation, is the suppression of weeds due to the complete lack of sun, blocked by the high of the plant.
In Spain, an experiment on the relation between of crop rotation between hemp and wheat and growth showed an increase of at least 1350 kg in wheat yield if it was planted after hemp. (Ecological benefits of hemp and flax cultivation and products, 2011) Another experiment conducted by Bócsa and Karus in 1998, concluded the increase in production of wheat when it was planted after hemp, they noted an increase of 15-20 %.
Inter cropping / poly culture
In inter cropping or polyculture situations, hemp is mostly used to as a shade provider because of its height. this allow the production of crop that can not handle too much sunlight in places where sunlight is abundant. But there are also other qualities of hemp that make it a good companion plant.
Hemp gives of chemicals that have long been associated with reducing pest and disease levels in crops. It can reduce caterpillar damage in a variety of crops including cabbage with which it was often traditionally planted as a border plant. In China a corn and summer squash inter crop is practised together with hemp to provide shade. After the corn and summer squash are harvested, the hemp is allowed to rapidly grow and produce a seed crop (harvested for its oil).
(this part will not get bigger, sorry for the inconvenience)
Sources:
https://www.massroots.com/news/cannabis-farming-rotation-crop/
http://votehemp.com/PDF/11-05-13_Ecological_benefits_of_hemp_and_flax.pdf
https://www.agronomy.org/science-news/intercropping-intersection-soil-health-production
https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/crops/wado-experiments-with-intercropping-flax-and-soybeans/
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