The Influence of Variety, Nitrogen Level and Sowing Density on the Productivity of Long Fiber Hemp

To establish a profitable flax-like hemp production, it is necessary to optimize the long fiber yield and quality. Over three years of field trials, the influence of nitrogen fertilization and sowing density on long fiber yield and quality of two hemp varieties was tested. The results demonstrated that variety significantly affected long fiber yield, while fertilization level (range: 0–100 kg N ha−1) and sowing density (range: 300–600 s m−2) did not. The highest yield was obtained by the late-flowering variety Santhica 70. The preferred sowing density of 400 s m−2 and fertilization of 75 kg N ha−1 rendered a long fiber yield of 1.9–2.1 t ha−1. High-quality long fibers similar to flax were obtained. These findings demonstrate the potential of hemp as a high-yielding fiber crop that can help to meet the global demand for sustainable textile fibers.