An Ideal Compost Application Rate for Sustainable Hemp Agriculture in Wisconsin
Soulja Gamble (Not Pictured) Soil Science and Land Management
Ronny Ruedinger Soil Science and Land Management
Samuel Watson Soil Science and Land Management
Sean McCann Ecosystem Restoration and Management
Erin Tschida Soil Science and Land Management and Water Resources
Hemp ( Cannabis sativa ) is an alternative crop that can be used for the production of cannabidiols (CBD). Over the past 70 years hemp has been illegal in Wisconsin. Consequently, a lack of research and a loss of knowledge has occurred in 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 the tenets of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. This experiment was conducted to examine the effects of annual compost applications on soil organic matter (SOM), CBD production, and plant biomass (shoot growth, root growth, bud growth) over time. This experiment contained different compost application rates (0, 5, 7.5, and 10 gallons) and measured the annual responses over time. We found a significant time and treatment effect on SOM, CBD, and plant biomass for all compost treatments. This knowledge is essential to Wisconsin farmers who want to grow hemp in an economically and environmentally viable approach.
Advisors: Bryant Scharenbroch, Ph.D.
Subject Area: Soil Science
Type: Poster
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UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources
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