Hemp: A Plant That Benefits Biodiversity
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Playback time 5 min
CONTENTS
What if a plant known for its fibers and cannabinoids were also beneficial for fields? CBD hemp can reduce the need for certain inputs, quickly cover the soil, and fit into a crop rotation. So let’s take a closer look together.
Things to remember
- Hemp quickly covers the ground and can compete with weeds, which can reduce the need for herbicides.
- It can be incorporated into crop rotations and help diversify crops.
- Its water and fertilizer requirements vary.
A plant that leaves little room for weeds
Depending on the variety, planting density, and growing conditions, the plants can quickly fill the space between rows. The leaves then absorb a large portion of the available light, while the canopy limits the amount of light that reaches the ground.
As far as weeds are concerned, this isn’t exactly an invitation to take root. Agronomic studies describe hemp as a crop capable of effectively competing with weeds and one that, under certain conditions, can be grown with little or no herbicides.
Weed pressure depends on the soil, climate, variety, planting density, and farming practices. A well-established crop will not necessarily have the same needs as a field where emergence is difficult.
Hemp can therefore help reduce weed pressure, but it is not a magic solution for all unwanted plants.
Roots that are also at work beneath the surface
When you look at a field of hemp, you mostly see its long stems and leaves. But I’d like to remind you that a lot is happening underground, too.
The root system of hemp can grow to considerable depths and help foster interactions with the soil. As with any crop, the roots contribute organic matter through their exudates and residues, which facilitates exchanges between the plant and soil organisms.
It would be an exaggeration to say that hemp automatically “regenerates” any plot of land. However, incorporating it into a diversified agricultural system can contribute to better soil management. Research on crop rotations shows that crop diversification promotes interactions between roots, microorganisms, and soil organic matter.
Hemp has a place in crop rotation
Crop rotation involves growing different crops in succession on the same plot of land throughout the seasons. This diversity helps to alter nutrient uptake, root systems, and the pressure exerted by certain pests or pathogens.
Hemp can be incorporated into crop rotations with grains or legumes. Recommendations vary depending on the type of hemp grown, the region, and production goals.
What about pollinators?
That’s an interesting question, especially when it comes to biodiversity.
Hemp is an anemophilous plant, meaning that its pollen is primarily carried by the wind. Male flowers produce pollen in abundance, while female plants bear the inflorescences sought after for their cannabinoids, which yield our famous CBD flowers.
Hemp is therefore not comparable to a crop whose flowers are specifically designed to attract bees with nectar. But that does not mean a hemp field is of no interest to insects.
A study of arthropod communities associated with industrial hemp showed that the crop can support various groups of insects and that its presence in agricultural landscapes can contribute to the diversity of available habitats.
How much water does hemp actually need?
We sometimes hear that hemp requires very little water, but that's not entirely true.
Water requirements vary depending on the variety, climate, soil type, temperature, and length of the growing season. It is known that hemp’s water requirements are around 500 to 700 mm over the growing season in Europe, with significant variations depending on local conditions.
Hemp requires an adequate supply of water during establishment and certain growth stages. Once its root system is well developed, it can tolerate relatively drier periods, but this ability also depends on the variety and the environment. For example, in Mediterranean regions, irrigation may therefore be necessary.
What about fertilizers and pesticides?
The same logic applies to inputs. Hemp can be quite effective at competing with weeds, which may reduce the need for herbicides, but it does have nutritional requirements.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium play a role in its growth, with requirements varying depending on the crop’s intended use (fiber, seeds, or cannabinoids). Soil, climate, and variety also affect these requirements.
Sustainable fertilization therefore begins with an understanding of the soil. Simply applying more fertilizer does not necessarily lead to a better harvest.
The type of production also plays a role in the plant’s needs. A crop grown for fiber does not have exactly the same agronomic objectives as a crop grown for cannabinoid-rich flowers. It is also important to consider the level of modernization in production and innovations in hemp cultivation.
As for pesticides, some crops can be grown with limited use of treatments thanks to competition from weeds and hemp’s ability to grow rapidly.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
