HEMP 153 



in growing the crop. The usual seeding time is in 

 the spring about the time oats and spring rye are 

 sown. For fiber about a bushel of seed is used to 

 the acre; the seed is scattered broadcast and har- 

 rowed in. No cultivating or weeding is required 

 during the growing period. 



Hemp is a ravenous feeder of nitrogen, calling 

 for heavy applications of barnyard manure or 

 legumes like cowpeas, soy beans or vetch to pre- 

 cede it. Heavy applications of fertilizer are also 

 advisable, cottonseed meal being especially good. 

 About 200 pounds can be used to the acre. In 

 addition to the meal, 200 pounds of acid phosphate 

 and 200 pounds of sulphate of ammonia are recom- 

 mended for poor soils. Harvesting takes place 

 when the fiber is in full blossom. It is cut with a 

 heavy reaper, the stalks close to the ground. The 

 bundles are left on the ground until they are rotted 

 by the dew and rain, then shocked like corn and 

 tied in bundles or stacked. The yield of fiber 

 varies from 750 to 1,500 pounds to the acre. 

 The higher the plant the heavier the yield. It is 

 estimated that an increase of 12 inches in height 

 means an increase of 150 pounds of fiber to the 

 acre. The fiber sells for from 6 to 8 cents a pound. 



Some hemp is sown for seed, which is used as 

 bird and poultry food, and for making oils to mix 

 with paints and for soap making. If seed is 

 wanted, the seeding should be made in rows or in 

 hills with cultivation similar to corn. Use about 

 2 quarts of seed to the acre. The harvesting is 

 similar to corn. The stalks are made into shocks 

 and tied. When thoroughly dry the threshing 

 takes place, usually with a flail. The yield varies 

 from 30 to 35 bushels to the acre. 



