The Effect of Water Retaining Polymer Applications on Agricultural Characteristics of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a plant that usage areas and importance have increased rapidly in recent years in the world and in Turkey. This study investigated the effects of water-retaining polymers on yield and quality characteristics of hemp cultivation in Yozgat ecological conditions. Narlısaray population and Vezir variety, which are local dioecious genotypes of Turkey, were used. The experiment was established with Split Plots Experimental Design in Coincidence Blocks with three replications. Varieties were applied in the main plots, and water-retaining polymer doses (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 kg da-1) were used in the sub-plots. According to the results obtained, the measurements were as follows: plant height 194.11- 224.11 cm, stem diameter 9.70- 10.66 mm, dry stem yield 1720.55 - 2181.11 kg da-1, fiber yield 338.88 - 480.00 kg da-1, seed yield 200.55 - 272.77 kg da-1 and oil content 29.20 - 31.44% in Narlısaray population. In the Vezir variety, plant height ranged between 200.16- 214.03 cm, stem diameter between 8.76 - 9.89 mm, dry stem yield between 1688.88 - 1949.88 kg da-1, fiber yield between 333.33 - 412.77 kg da-1, seed yield between 228.88 - 271.66 kg da-1 and oil content between 29.59 - 32.07%. As a result, there was no statistically significant effect of water retaining polymer doses on the examined traits of hemp plants. Still, significant differences were observed among the varieties regarding these traits.