Hemp Fertilization: Current Knowledge, Gaps and Efforts in Florida: A 2020 Report

Abstract

Hemp is an annual herbaceous plant that may be grown for fiber, seed, or flowers. Starting in April 2020, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services began accepting applications for cultivation of hemp in Florida, with the potential for building a $20–$30 billion industry in the state. The statewide UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project is researching aspects of agronomic production for hemp cultivation. While a few other state soil testing laboratories provide soil tests and nutrient recommendations based on research and experience, at this time no Florida-specific data on nutrient requirements and fertilization are available. This new 5-page article, written by Rao Mylavarapu, Zachary Brym, Luis Monserrate, and Michael J. Mulvaney and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences, provides a summary of published and personal communications from different states on hemp fertilization.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss689

Hemp as a potential raw material toward a sustainable world: A review

“…A resurgence in hemp cultivation is seen since the European Union and the US, and other countries, have legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp, and many other countries have reintroduced hemp cultivation with low THC levels [ 23 ]. For example, from 2020 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is allowing its cultivation with the potential of building a $20–$30 billion industry in the state [ 27 ] whereas Europe observed a record amount of hemp cultivation amounting to 33,000 ha in 2016 [ 20 ].…”

Nitrogen application and cultivar effects on industrial hemp yield dynamics

“…Moreover, different grain, flower, or fiber hemp production systems may require differing N recommendations based on the final production goal and environmental conditions (Fike, 2016;Kaur et al, 2023). Literature has shown that the N requirement for grain and flower production is higher than fiber production (high N reduces fiber quality) (Fike, 2016;Kaur et al, 2023;Mylavarapu et al, 2020). Therefore, optimizing N fertilization for different economic products obtained from hemp is essential.…”

“…While best management practices have been adopted for other agronomic crops, there has yet to be any previous research available on hemp nutrient management to develop best management practices for hemp in Florida. Currently, P and K recommendations in hemp production follow the guidance of non‐irrigated corn production in Florida (Mylavarapu et al., 2020). Due to high N losses because of heavy rainfall and sandy soils in Florida (Sartain, 2009; Shober & Mylavarapu, 2012), N fertilization recommendations are not based on soil testing but are developed on a research basis (Mylavarapu et al., 2008).…”