Raw organic hemp is an intensive and time-consuming process. It takes years for organic farmers to build up exceptional quality soil that provides a fertile super soil for their hemp plants.
Organic farming uses no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. It is a much healthier approach to growing hemp flowers than using harmful chemicals.
Organic Soil
Organic soil is made up of a mix of weathered rock, water and organic matter. This combination improves drainage, deters pests and helps plant life thrive.
The organic matter that makes up the soil comes from materials like mulch, dropped leaves and animal manure. This material is broken down by plants and animals, releasing essential nutrients that the soil needs for its growth.
Soil organisms break down the materials to produce a dark, crumbly material called humus. This material is full of minerals and microorganisms that transform it into a soil that helps plants become healthy, mature and productive.
The most commonly used organic soil for hemp is a nutrient-rich, black crumbly material that is sometimes referred to as “super soil.” It’s made of a blend of compost, manure and other amendments such as worm castings and bat guano. It also contains a variety of beneficial bacteria that help to enhance the overall health of the plant.
Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are natural, biodegradable, and renewable, and do not include the synthetic chemicals that can degrade soil or harm your crop. A 2019 study found that using natural fertilizers prevents soil degradation, water pollution, and a buildup of harmful chemicals in the soil.
Organic material can also help to fend off changes in soil pH, an effect called buffering. This is important for nutrient uptake and helps to keep plants healthy.
A good organic fertilizer should contain a high percentage of nitrogen, as well as other nutrients that are needed for optimum growth and production. Organic materials may be sourced from animal manure, blood meal, compost, fish emulsion, and other sources.
A good hemp grower will use organic fertilizers and other amendments to support healthy, productive soils. Often, organic farmers will use a combination of methods to optimize their fertility resources: recycling farm-produced livestock manures, composting, crop rotation, and green manuring.
Organic Pest Control
Organic pest control is a method of controlling insects without using chemicals. It involves working with nature, attracting beneficial insects, and maintaining soil fertility to help keep pests away from your farm.
Many people are turning to organic methods for pest control because they are safer for their family and environment. Chemicals can be toxic and cause negative side effects, but natural options do not have this problem.
Another great benefit of choosing organic solutions is that they do not harm your landscaping. Most traditional pesticides have a number of harmful ingredients that can hurt your plants and cause damage to your property.
Inorganic pesticides are also often ineffective against pests. However, they are a good option for controlling weeds. They can be more expensive upfront, but they usually save you money in the long run because they don’t have to be reapplied as frequently. Plus, they are safer for your pets and children. They can also be effective against pests like ants and fleas.
Organic Harvesting
Hemp can be harvested in several ways. The most common is by using a combine harvester, which is similar to a harvester used in row crop agriculture for wheat, corn and other grain crops.
Another method is by hand, but this is labor-intensive and can be time-consuming. Hemp plants can grow quickly, so it is important to harvest hemp when it is ripe for seed production.
The harvesting process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the variety and maturity of the hemp fiber. After harvest, the hemp stalks need to go through a process called retting.
The retting process helps to separate the hemp fiber from the plant stems and leaves. Hemp stalks can be reted in water, through the use of microorganisms or a combination of the two. Alternatively, retting can occur by using a chemical.