Industrial hemp for biomass production

Interest for possibilities of the industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) growing in Latvia is increasing year by year and they are considered as one of the most promising renewable biomass sources to replace nonrenewable natural resources for manufacturing of wide range industrial products. The aim of this research was to evaluate of biomass potential of some industrial hemp varieties to be recommended to grow in Latvia and clarify carbon content. The biometric parameters of ten industrial hemp cultivars – ‘Bialobrzeskie’, ‘Futura 75’, ‘Fedora 17’, ‘Santhica 27’, ‘Beniko’, ‘Ferimon’, ‘Epsilon 68’, ‘Tygra’, ‘Wojko’ and ‘Uso 31’ have been investigated at the Research and Study farm “Peterlauki†of the Latvia University of Agriculture in 2011-2012. The carbon content was determined. The results of investigation show that industrial hemp is promising plant for biomass production in Latvia. Depending on the variety the green over-ground biomass varies from 36 - 54 t ha-1 in 2011 and from 48 - 75 t ha-1 in 2012. The highest green over-ground biomass was obtained cultivar ‘Futura 75’ up to 75 t ha-1. The carbon content in hemp stems was found from 41.62 – 45.38 % and it depend on cultivars. Results of investigation of biomass potential of all ten industrial hemp cultivars are presented.