Information on hemp

General information about hemp

Hemp is a very robust plant and can be grown almost anywhere in the world.
The plant has a broad range of uses, for example in pharmacological products, drugs, ropes, fabrics, paper, peat substitute, edible oil or cosmetics.
Hemp fibres are relatively strong and can be processed into breathable textiles.

Cultivation of hemp

Since hemp is very resistant against pests, no insecticides are used for cultivation. Also, weed killers (herbicides) are not used in the cultivation of hemp, because the young plants completely shade the ground after a few days, meaning that weeds are barely able to get any light. This minimizes the impact on the environment.
The roots of the hemp plants can grow into the ground up to 140 cm if the soil conditions allow it. This rooting depth is much higher than that of other crops, thus, hemp was formerly often planted on drained, hardened acres to loosen the soil.
Where appropriate, hemp cultivation may provide soil conditions for more demanding plants such as cereals that are grown later.
Hemp has also been used in eroded areas, not only to loosen the soil but to shield the ground from the sun.