Industrial Hemp Variety Performance in Latvia Under Baltic Sea Climate

Abstract

As the world shifts towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is gaining recognition as a versatile crop with numerous applications. The Baltic Sea region is well-suited for hemp cultivation, with its temperate climate and varied soil types. This study evaluates the suitability of various hemp varieties for the region, focusing on their ability to produce high-quality biomass, fibers, seeds, and dual-purpose products. The findings will contribute to the development of a thriving hemp industry in the region. Five years of research was conducted to investigate the productivity of 12 industrial hemp varieties, including 7 varieties mainly developed for seed production and 5 varieties mainly designed for fiber production. The results showed significant differences in yields among the varieties, with ‘Bialobrzeskie’ exhibiting the highest biomass yield (47.2 t ha−1) and ‘Futura 75’ producing the highest fiber yield (10.8 t ha−1). ‘Henola’ demonstrated the highest seed yield (3.5 t ha−1), while ‘KA-2-2011’ and ‘USO-31’ were identified as dual-purpose varieties suitable for fiber (3.4 and 6.4 t ha−1, respectively) and seed production (2.2 and 1.3 t ha−1, respectively). The calorific value of hemp shives is comparable to wood fuels, indicating their potential as a viable fuel source. The results offer farmers a crucial tool for selecting the best-suited varieties for their specific region, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.