Hemp Liners Under Research
Project Title: Exploring Hemp Fibers as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Peat in Soilless Growing Media
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Project Description: The cultivation of Cannabis sativa L., commonly known as hemp, encompasses various varieties designated for either fiber production or food consumption. Industrial hemp is typically cultivated for the top 6 inches, utilized in cosmetic and nutritional applications, while the remaining fibrous stalk is left as a by-product, constituting an agricultural residue with currently no designated purpose. Limited studies have been published exploring the impact of hemp hurd or fibers on plant growth within a soilless growing medium.
An investigation by Both et al. (2021) examined the use of synthetically processed hemp fibers as a hydroponic growing medium, revealing that hemp exhibited suitable physicochemical properties and elicited a positive response in Daikon radish growth. Furthermore, Dresbøll and Magid (2006) conducted a study on the physical structure and chemical composition of hemp, as well as its microbial decomposition in compost. Their findings indicated that composted hemp, owing to its structural quality, could serve as a viable material for growing media.
Hemp straw will be sourced from the Hemp Sense Inc. Hemp Sense Inc. is a Manitoba based company that processes industrial hemp to produce environmentally friendly hemp products.
Hemp Sense buys baled hemp stalks from farmers, after the hemp grain has been harvested. The raw material then undergoes the decortication, cleaning and final manufacturing processes using a unique patented zero waste process.
This proposed project aims to achieve the following research objectives:
- Perform complete nutrient analysis of hemp fibers.
- Determine the optimal rate of mixing hemp fibers with standard peat-based potting mixes.
Project Staff
- Assiniboine Community College
- Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and the Environment