Recently published research looked at how hemp responded to irrigation in semiarid areas with very interesting results.
Oregon State University researchers examined over a number of years the effects of different rates of irrigation applied to direct-seeded autoflower hemp and full-season cultivars grown in fields. Between 2020 and 2023, hemp plants were grown at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, located in Medford and Jacksonville. Sand loam soil was the described type of soil found at this farm.
This study included measurements of:
- Floral and Total Biomass
- Cannabinoid Concentration
- The cannabinoid content of the yield.
Even though the leaf and stem mass increased as plants became taller, the size of primary flowers did not change much regardless of how much water the plants received, or even if supplemental irrigation was used.
The amount of water added to the plant did not affect secondary or tertiary flowers. Cannabidiol (CBD) and floral yields increased by 2–3 times as irrigation rate increased from low to moderately high rates. Researchers found that irrigating above 80% potential evapotranspiration did not increase the cannabinoid production.
Researchers said:
In certain circumstances, it may be feasible to grow hemp in semi-arid conditions with little, no, or moderate irrigation (despite its lower yield), depending on the cost of irrigation, crop management, and value of final products.
In many cases, the researchers note the need for more research.
Researchers state, “Despite the consistency of the results, further studies in different climates could solidify and increase the probability that hemp crops will be successful.”
Study has been published Agrosystems Geosciences Environment is a journal that publishes articles on agrosystems.
In a world of increasingly scarce water, hemp’s potential for fiber is very appealing. According to this 2023 studyHemp has 38% less crop water requirements, 60% lesser water footprint, 84 % lower crop irrigation requirements, and a 91% smaller irrigated footprint as compared with cotton