5. Cultivation and harvesting

Once the cultivation plan has been determined (Chapter 2), the variety selected (Ch3) and the soil properly prepared (Ch4), it is time to actually grow hemp. Sowing aims for a homogeneous and rapid emergence of the crop (§5.1). After this moment, hemp does not require specific crop protection (§5.2).

The method of harvesting depends on the primary use: for textiles, or for technical applications (§5.3).

Explanation of the influence of cultivation and harvesting on the quality of fiber hemp

After harvesting, the hemp stalks are left on the field for some time with the intention of weakening the bonds between the bast fibre and the woody core material, under the influence of weather; this is called 'retting' (§5.4). After retting, the hemp is dry-balled and stored for further processing.

If the hemp is harvested late in the season, e.g. for a high crop yield in tonnes/ha, drying after field retting is usually no longer possible in the northern part of the Netherlands.

Steps from cultivation to processing of hemp fibre.

§5.1 Sowing

§5.2 Weed control and crop protection

§5.3 Harvesting

§5.4 Field retting

§5.5 Storage until further processing

Further information

HempFlax, 2022. ‘Hemp cultivation manual’.
- https://www.hempflax.com/wp-content/uploads/Hempflax-Hemp-Cultivation-Manual.pdf
- 12 pages
CAH Dronten, 2002. ‘Cultivation manual for hemp grown for fibre’. (Dutch)
- https://edepot.wur.nl/135333
- 24 pages
HOGENT, 2020. ‘The revival of hemp as a low-impact textile fibre’. (Dutch)
- Comprehensive report with results of research projects 'Eigen Kweek' and 'Hemp4All' on cultivation, processing and application characteristics of fibre hemp.
- https://onderzoek.hogent.be/sites/onderzoek/assets/File/HOGENT Onderzoeksresultaten ‘Eigen Kweek’ en ‘Hemp4All'.pdf
- 100 pages
CREA, 2020. ‘Guidelines for dual purpose industrial hemp cultivation’.
- Introduction on fibre hemp and Guidelines for cultivation of hemp for fibre and seeds with focus on Italy
- https://www.psrscarabeo.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Dual-Purpose-Hemp-Growing-Guidelines-SCARABEO.pdf
- 22 pages
Alberta. ‘Industrial Hemp Harvest and Storage – Best Management Practices’.
- Comprehensive detailed info on hemp for food and fibre: Focus on cultivation, harvesting, and retting.
- https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/crop15539/$file/HempHarvestStorage.pdf?OpenElement
- 31 pages
Maine Department of Agriculture (USA), 2021. ‘Hemp Handbook’.
- Info on obtaining a licence to grow hemp in Maine, finding seeds and cultivation practices.
- https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/hemp/documents/hemphandbookmarch2021.pdf
- 13 pages
Manitoba Ministry of Agriculture (Canada), 2023. ‘Industrial Hemp Production and Management’.
- Info on seed selection, plot selection, cultivation, harvesting, and fibre production.
- https://www.gov.mb.ca/crop-management/hemp-production.html
- webpage corresponding to 10 pages

Handbook fibre hemp cultivation, processing and applications

5. Cultivation and harvesting

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