By Jim Bauder and Linzy Carlson MSU Land Resources and
Environmental Sciences BOZEMAN -- Most people know that
industrial hemp has been a source of rope, cloth and paper since
ancient times, but few recognize its incredible potential today.
It represents an ecologically stable, renewable source of raw
materials to make such diverse products as automobile fuel,
plastics, building materials and food for animals and people.
The agronomics of hemp are pretty standard. Start with a light
textured soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 worked into a firm, level
seedbed at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a regular grain
drill, seed 35-60 pounds per acre (depending on seed weight and
germination rate). Because hemp plant density chokes out weeds,
it grows well without herbicides. It naturally resists attack
from bugs and fungi, reducing the need for pesticides and
fungicides. In contrast, almost half of all agricultural
chemicals used in the U.S. are applied to cotton. Hemp requires
12-16 inches of water over the course of its