Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive Review
Hemp (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.), renowned for its applications in environmental, industrial, and medicinal fields, is critically evaluated in this comprehensive review focusing on the impacts of chemical and organic fertilizers on its cultivation. As hemp re-emerges as a crop of economi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-07-01
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| Series: | Nitrogen |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3129/5/3/42 |
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| author | Fatemeh Ahmadi Daniel Kallinger August Starzinger Maximilian Lackner |
| author_facet | Fatemeh Ahmadi Daniel Kallinger August Starzinger Maximilian Lackner |
| author_sort | Fatemeh Ahmadi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Hemp (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.), renowned for its applications in environmental, industrial, and medicinal fields, is critically evaluated in this comprehensive review focusing on the impacts of chemical and organic fertilizers on its cultivation. As hemp re-emerges as a crop of economic significance, the choice between chemical and organic fertilization methods plays a crucial role in determining not only yield but also the quality and sustainability of production. This article examines the botanical characteristics of hemp, optimal growth conditions, and the essential biochemical processes for its cultivation. A detailed comparative analysis is provided, revealing that chemical fertilizers, while increasing yield by up to 20% compared to organic options, may compromise the concentration of key phytochemicals such as cannabidiol by approximately 10%, highlighting a trade-off between yield and product quality. The review presents quantitative assessments of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) from both fertilizer types, noting that K significantly influences the synthesis of terpenes and cannabinoids, making it the most impactful element in the context of medicinal and aromatic hemp varieties. Optimal rates and timing of application for these nutrients are discussed, with a focus on maximizing efficiency during the flowering stage, where nutrient uptake directly correlates with cannabinoid production. Furthermore, the challenges associated with the U.S. industrial hemp market are addressed, noting that reducing production costs and improving processing infrastructure is essential for sustaining industry growth, especially given the slow expansion in fiber and cannabidiol markets due to processing bottlenecks. The review concludes that while chemical fertilizers may offer immediate agronomic benefits, transitioning towards organic practices is essential for long-term environmental sustainability and market viability. The future of the hemp industry, while promising, will depend heavily on advancements in genetic engineering, crop management strategies, and regulatory frameworks that better support sustainable cultivation practices. This nuanced approach is vital for the industry to navigate the complex trade-offs between productivity, environmental health, and economic viability in the global market. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b47e23b09dec47c483fa3d24bf819291 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2504-3129 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Nitrogen |
| spelling | doaj-art-b47e23b09dec47c483fa3d24bf8192912025-08-20T01:55:45ZengMDPI AGNitrogen2504-31292024-07-015362465410.3390/nitrogen5030042Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive ReviewFatemeh Ahmadi0Daniel Kallinger1August Starzinger2Maximilian Lackner3UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, AustraliaBGT GmbH, Rainerstraße 36, 5310 Mondsee, AustriaCanngoo GmbH i.G., Rainerstraße 36, 5310 Mondsee, AustriaFaculty of Industrial Engineering Hoechstaedtplatz 6, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, 1200 Vienna, AustriaHemp (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.), renowned for its applications in environmental, industrial, and medicinal fields, is critically evaluated in this comprehensive review focusing on the impacts of chemical and organic fertilizers on its cultivation. As hemp re-emerges as a crop of economic significance, the choice between chemical and organic fertilization methods plays a crucial role in determining not only yield but also the quality and sustainability of production. This article examines the botanical characteristics of hemp, optimal growth conditions, and the essential biochemical processes for its cultivation. A detailed comparative analysis is provided, revealing that chemical fertilizers, while increasing yield by up to 20% compared to organic options, may compromise the concentration of key phytochemicals such as cannabidiol by approximately 10%, highlighting a trade-off between yield and product quality. The review presents quantitative assessments of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) from both fertilizer types, noting that K significantly influences the synthesis of terpenes and cannabinoids, making it the most impactful element in the context of medicinal and aromatic hemp varieties. Optimal rates and timing of application for these nutrients are discussed, with a focus on maximizing efficiency during the flowering stage, where nutrient uptake directly correlates with cannabinoid production. Furthermore, the challenges associated with the U.S. industrial hemp market are addressed, noting that reducing production costs and improving processing infrastructure is essential for sustaining industry growth, especially given the slow expansion in fiber and cannabidiol markets due to processing bottlenecks. The review concludes that while chemical fertilizers may offer immediate agronomic benefits, transitioning towards organic practices is essential for long-term environmental sustainability and market viability. The future of the hemp industry, while promising, will depend heavily on advancements in genetic engineering, crop management strategies, and regulatory frameworks that better support sustainable cultivation practices. This nuanced approach is vital for the industry to navigate the complex trade-offs between productivity, environmental health, and economic viability in the global market.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3129/5/3/42cannabinoidfertilizerindustrial hempmineralsorganic technology |
| spellingShingle | Fatemeh Ahmadi Daniel Kallinger August Starzinger Maximilian Lackner Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive Review Nitrogen cannabinoid fertilizer industrial hemp minerals organic technology |
| title | Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive Review |
| title_full | Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive Review |
| title_fullStr | Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive Review |
| title_short | Hemp (<i>Cannabis salvia</i> L.) Cultivation: Chemical Fertilizers or Organic Technologies, a Comprehensive Review |
| title_sort | hemp i cannabis salvia i l cultivation chemical fertilizers or organic technologies a comprehensive review |
| topic | cannabinoid fertilizer industrial hemp minerals organic technology |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3129/5/3/42 |
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