A Compost Application Rate for Sustainable Hemp Agriculture in Wisconsin

Abstract

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is an alternative crop that can be used for the production of fiber and cannabidiols (CBD). Over the past 70 years hemp has been illegal in Wisconsin. Consequently, a lack of research and loss of knowledge has occurred on agricultural production of hemp. Wisconsin farmers lack information on soil management actions necessary to grow hemp in a sustainable manner. Compost amendments are known to positively influence soil quality and are considered one of tenants of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. This experiment was conducted to determine a compost amendment application rate for hemp. The experiment contained three different compost application rates and measured the soil quality (soil organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, respiration, and aggregate stability) and plant health (shoot growth, root growth, bud growth, and CBD concentrations) responses to compost. Our findings suggest an optimal compost rate for significant improvements in soil quality and plant health. This knowledge is essential to Wisconsin farmers who want to grow hemp in an economically and environmentally viable approach.