Hemp in the crop rotation

Hemp can be an advantageous component in crop rotations due to its rapid growth, averaging 4 cm per day. This rapid growth outperforms common weeds and naturally suppresses their development (van den Oever et al., 2023). Concerning plant protection measures, both organic and conventional fibre hemp cultivation currently do not require herbicides due to the absence of known diseases affecting hemp (van den Oever et al., 2023). The absence of herbicides enhances the development of microfauna, which is beneficial for soil fertility and function (Desanlis et al., 2013).

Furthermore, hemp demonstrates suppressive effects on various soil fungi and nematodes, including Verticillium dahliae and the maize root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi).

Some hemp varieties even exhibit complete resistance to the northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla). Consequently, subsequent crops are less vulnerable to these fungi and nematodes (van den Oever et al., 2023).

In summary, hemp cultivation demands less labour compared to other crops such as cereals, beets, and potatoes, while still yielding satisfactory results (van den Oever et al., 2023).