Hemp Cultivation and Harvesting

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual crop cultivated in temperate and subtropical climates between latitudes 25°–55°N, requiring 300–500 mm rainfall during growing season, well-drained loam soils (pH 6.0–7.5), and 120–150 frost-free days. Planting density for textile fibre production is 60–120 kg seed/ha achieving 90–150 plants/m², promoting tall slender stems (2–4 m height, 4–10 mm diameter) with maximum primary bast fibre content. Nitrogen fertilisation of 80–120 kg N/ha in split applications maximises stem elongation and fibre yield. Harvest for textile fibre occurs at early flowering stage (male plant anthesis) when primary fibre quality peaks — fibre content 25–30% of stem dry weight, strength 550–800 MPa. Mechanical harvesting uses modified flax-type mowers or purpose-built hemp harvesters cutting at 10–20 cm stubble height. Global hemp cultivation area is 120,000–150,000 ha, with China, France, Netherlands, and Canada as leading producers. Seed-to-fibre production cycle is 100–120 days.