The Influence of Agrotechnical Factors on Productivity Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Abstract

The topicality of the topic is due to the need to develop the production of energy crops, in particular hemp, given the limited amount of available minerals for the needs of heat supply. Hemp is suitable for biofuel production as a profitable crop with a wide range of uses. For the purpose of the study, the authors assessed the influence of agrotechnical factors on the productivity of sowing and quality indicators of hemp seeds for the production of solid fuel in Latvia. The Polish hemp variety “Bialobrzeskie” and the Latvian hemp variety “Pūriņi” were evaluated for application of 3 doses of nitrogen fertilizers. Analyzes are used, which are classified as systemic, statistical and comparative. Research methods are applied: generally accepted in crop production, field and laboratory – to clarify the interaction of the object of research with agrotechnical and natural abiotic factors; calculated and weighted – to determine the productivity of crops; calculation and comparison; mathematical and statistical (dispersion) – for assessing the probability of research results. It was determined that for fibrous hemp, the dry matter yield of the stem ranges from 6.5 to 11.0 t/ha, and the seed yield is 0.7-1.4 t/ha. The productivity of hemp significantly depends on agrotechnical factors, in particular, on the variety and application of fertilizers, because these component technologies significantly affect the yield and quality indicators of seeds for the production of solid biofuel. The hemp variety “Pūriņi” is less productive than the hemp variety “Bialobrzeskie”, even with the use of N100 nitrogen fertilizer dose. The dose of nitrogen fertilizers affects such energy parameters as ash content and the highest calorific value. The research revealed a significant (Р<0.05) influence of the trunk fraction on productivity, the highest calorific value and ash content. The scientific novelty is that the impact of the variety and doses of nitrogen fertilizers on productivity, including the energy properties of hemp, has been evaluated, and the practical value is in the improvement of the technology of growing hemp by correctly selecting the variety and optimizing the dose of nitrogen fertilizers to create high-quality products for heating and use of waste-free technologies