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Project Abstract

Hemp has a notoriously low germination rate compared to common crops and the seeds cost much more as well. This requires growers to seed at higher rates to possibly achieve a full row.

This project aims to reduce the cost growers pay to plant and protect their seeds by evaluating the factors that affect seedling emergence and identifying strategies to improve the emergence and survival.

Seed treatments will be investigated to optimize the protection offered for costs. Stubble height is being evaluated to see how much protection it offers seedlings after emergence, if it has an effect on the growth of the crop, and to see if the trapped soil moisture improves based on height and if any benefits are passed onto the hemp.

Project Details
Timeline 2024-2027
Principal Investigator: Mike Gretzinger
Farming Smarter
Project Contact: Mike Gretzinger
Funded By:

RDAR



Project Objectives

  • Determine the effect of fungal seed treatments in improving seedling emergence, survival, canopy closure, and yield potential of hemp fiber and grain cultivars. The project will evaluate seed treatments including Allegiance FL (Group 4), Apron Maxx RTA (Group 4 and 12), and Vibrance Maxx RFC (Group 4, 7, and 12) for their impact on seedling establishment and survival.
  • Determine the effect of stubble height on improving hemp seedling emergence, survival, growth parameters (height, and canopy closure) and the fiber and grain yield potential of hemp.
  • Determine the effect of stubble height on soil moisture content.

Methods

Collaborators or Locations
Farming Smarter Lethbridge, AB
InnoTech Vegreville, AB
SARDA Ag Donnelley, AB
Agriculture & Agri Food Canada Indian Head, SK

Treatments

Main plot - Factor 1 - Hemp Cultivar:

  • Rak (grain type)
  • Silesia (Fibre type)

Subplot 1 - Factor 2 - Seed Treatments:

  • Allegiance FL
  • Apron Maxx RTA
  • Vibrance Maxx RFC
  • Control

Subplot 2 - Factor 3 - Stubble Height:

  • Regular, 10-15cm
  • Tall, 30-45cm



Measurements

  • Plant Density
  • Gravimetric Soil Moisture
  • Plant Height
  • Canopy Closure
  • Seedling Emergence
  • Weather Data
  • Disease Pressure
  • Fiber/Seed Yield


Results

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Results

Preliminary results will be ready in 2025!

Recommendations

Recommendations will be ready along with the preliminary results in 2025!


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