2024 Hemp Intercropping Trial
OVERVIEW
This trial aimed to generate current and comprehensive data on the yield and quality of FINOLA hemp grown as a monocrop compared to hemp intercropped with clover varieties and hairy vetch. Industrial hemp is generally grown for a specific use, either hemp seed or fiber, although there are also dual-purpose varieties, they generally require more different management and different harvesting equipment. FINOLA is a hemp variety primarily used for grain; it’s growing days average between 100-120 days. It’s also a medium to late maturing variety that produces small amounts of straw which makes harvesting easier. The study also sought to demonstrate the feasibility of cultivating hemp using non-specialized agricultural equipment. Additionally, it highlighted the diverse applications of hemp fiber and grain, as well as the role of companies specializing in hemp processing. Industrial hemp grain can be used for animal health supplements, plastics and fuels. Fibre from industrial hemp stacks can be used for construction material, textiles and rope. Other grain varieties that performed well in the west central region are CKS-1, Katani, and Henola. Examples of dual purpose varieties that would be suited for west central Alberta are Silesia, Vega, and Maureen. The project focused on evaluating the agronomic and ecological benefits of intercropping in Brazeau County, with the goal of supporting Alberta producers by mitigating crop failure risks and enhancing overall farm productivity.
PARTNERS
· Mike Mueller
· Alberta Hemp Works
· Northstar Seed
· Brazeau County
· McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizers (formerly Ray Agro)
METHODS
The plots were set up over an 8-acre area of land donated by Mike Mueller in Brazeau County. The plots were separated into 2 blocks, a hemp (FINOLA) monocrop and hemp (FINOLA) intercropped with clover (5% sweet clover, 15% Persian clover, 15% crimson clover and 15% berseem clover) and 50% hairy vetch. The plots were seeded on June 7th, 2024, using an International 886 tractor and an International 500 seed drill. The site was sprayed with glyphosate on May 21st and disced on May 26th. Fertilizer was broadcast on June 5th and disced again after. The site was rolled after the seeding. The previous crop was oats, seeded by a no till drill.
Fertilizer was purchased at McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizers (formerly Ray Agro) in Entwhistle, AB. The blend was based on a wheat blend because hemp and wheat have similar root structures and both crops require moderate to high levels of nitrogen to support growth and yield. Hemp and wheat both grow well in similar soil types and climate conditions.
46-0-0 Urea – 420kg
0-0-60 Potash – 36kg
11-52-0 Mono Ammonium Phosphate – 206kg
21-0-024 Super Salt – 27 kg
Seeded June 7th.
Harvest On October 15th.
The red outline indicates the project location separated into 2 blocks (east to west). The green outline indicates the medium tilled area to the north.
As an internal exploratory project, we evaluated the feasibility of seeding hemp intercrops in a minimally tilled and non-tilled environment. To improve soil penetration, the downforce on the drill was increased in the no-till area. Additionally, seeding was conducted in a moderately tilled section adjacent to the primary project trial, with a small corner remaining as a no-till control. The initial seeding involved oats (30–60 lbs/ac) and fertilizer (170–190 lbs/ac) using a no-till drill. Due to seed size constraints, the hemp/intercrop mixture was subsequently sown using a conventional drill, as the no-till drill was not well-suited for the smaller hemp seed.
RESULTS
Seeding was completed on June 7, 2024. Plant count assessments were performed on July 8, using five randomly selected 1m² quadrats per block. In the hemp monocrop, visual observations estimated weed pressure at approximately 40%, with notable variability in plant height. In the hemp intercrop treatment, weed pressure was estimated at approximately 20%, with height variation and spatial differences in plant density, where some areas exhibited greater biomass accumulation than others. Plant height measurements were recorded at two time points during the growing season. The preceding crop was oats, seeded using a no-till drill. It is hypothesized that prior discing may have contributed to increased weed emergence by bringing weed seeds to the surface.
Plant count assessments (1m2) taken on July 8th. Plant counts at early emergence provide an idea of germination rate and seeding assessment.
Hemp intercrop heights (in) taken on Aug 8th and Sept25th.
Hemp intercrop heights (in) taken on Aug 8th and Sept25th.
Plants heights are an important part of the plant ideotype, it can affect biomass, yield and the equipment used to harvest.
Agronomic data for 2024 Hemp Intercropping Trial conducted in Brazeau County
This agronomic data was obtained by taking three 1m2 samples from each block, samples were then air dried and cleaned by hand, given the lack of seed cleaning resources available, separating the intercrops from the FINOLA seed was not done. The monocrop yield was light, at 11bu/ac, typically FINOLA grain yields range from 20-40bu/ac. With the field being tilled for the first time in the last 3 years, the disturbance could have triggered the germination of weed species dormant and provided competition for the hemp.
Aerial view of the hemp trial mid-season. The two separate blocks can be seen in this picture, hemp monocrop on
the left of the mowed path and hemp intercrops on the right of the mowed path.
Harvest took place on October 15, 2024, with hemp grain moisture content recorded at 10%. The selected cultivar, FINOLA, a short-statured hemp variety, was chosen to minimize mechanical challenges during harvest. The crop was successfully direct combined without wrapping issues. A total yield of approximately 2,500 lbs was harvested from the 8-acre site (including both monocrop and intercrop plots), resulting in an average yield of 300 lbs/acre. This yield is slightly lower than expected, potentially due to competition from volunteer oats and intercropping effects. The harvested grain was sent to Alberta Hemp Works for cleaning and final weight determination. Cleaning has been delayed due to volunteer oat contamination and colder temperatures; however, initial assessments indicate that the hemp seed quality is high, with well-filled kernels.
Fall monocrop for 0-6inch
Fall intercrop for 0-6inch
Some observations from the two above soil reports, both were taken in fall of 2024, in each of blocks (monocrop and intercrop). The organic matter is quite high for both but higher in the intercropped block, this could be because hemp does have a deep and fibrous root system, which helps improve soil structure and enhances microbial activity. It can also function as a cover crop by improving nutrient cycling and reducing nitrogen loss. This combined with the clover and hairy vetch can provide another reason for the higher organic matter. Clover and hairy vetch are both nitrogen fixing species. Clover produces deep roots that add organic matter to the soil when they decompose. Hairy vetch can form a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria, converting atmospheric nitrogen into plant available forms.
The potassium-to-magnesium (K/Mg) ratio remains within the optimal range, suggesting balanced nutrient competition and efficient uptake by plant roots. This equilibrium supports nutrient availability and uptake dynamics, minimizing potential antagonistic effects between K and Mg. Additionally, an optimal K/Mg ratio is associated with enhanced soil structure and a higher cation exchange capacity (CEC), which increases nutrient retention and reduces leaching losses.
The soil in this study is classified as Dark Gray Chernozemic, which is characterized by high organic matter content and a medium to high CEC. This soil type is typically found in transition zones between grassland and forest ecosystems, contributing to its diverse nutrient-holding capacity.
Throughout the growing season, soil pH remained stable, ranging from 5.8 to 6.6, a level that supports optimal nutrient availability and promotes healthy plant growth. This stability contributes to improved plant productivity and quality. Furthermore, effective soil management practices from previous years have contributed to maintaining favorable soil health conditions, supporting long-term sustainability and nutrient cycling.
Spring 0-6inch
The spring soil samples were collected as a composite representation of the entire field site. No significant changes were observed in soil properties between spring and fall. Organic matter content was initially high and remained consistently elevated throughout the growing season, indicating stable carbon dynamics and minimal decomposition losses.
The potassium-to-magnesium (K/Mg) ratio remained within the optimal range, suggesting a well-balanced cation exchange capacity (CEC) and favorable soil structure conducive to nutrient retention and plant uptake.
Additionally, the field had undergone a minimum of three years without tillage, which likely contributed to improved soil aggregation, enhanced root proliferation, and increased nutrient mobility within the soil profile. The absence of tillage likely supported microbial activity and organic matter stabilization, further reinforcing soil health and long-term productivity.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hemp is a versatile crop with numerous applications and agronomic benefits, demonstrating its adaptability to the growing conditions of west-central Alberta. Various cultivars are bred for specific end uses; in this study, we focused on the FINOLA variety, showcasing its ability to produce a viable yield while contributing to soil health improvement. Additionally, our findings indicate that hemp can be effectively harvested through straight combining with minimal wrapping issues. Selecting a variety suited to both agronomic objectives and available harvesting equipment is essential for optimizing production efficiency.
