Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is extremely effective in suppressing both annual=
=20
and perennial weeds, because of its very rapid canopy establishment, high=20
proportion of light interception by an established canopy (99%) and because=
=20
of its continued growth in height, reaching 3 m and more. There is much=20
interest among organic farmers in Europe to include hemp in their rotation.=
=20
A nice illustration of the potential of hemp to suppress a perennial weed is=
=20
given in:=20
Lotz L A P, R M W Groeneveld, B Habekott=E9 and H van Oene, 1991. Reduction=
of=20
growth and reproduction of Cyperus esculentus by specific crops. Weed=20
Research 31: 153-160.
Hayo van der Werf=20
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Hayo M.G. van der Werf
Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique
Laboratoire d'Agronomie
28, rue de Herrlisheim - B.P. 507
68021 Colmar Cedex
France
Telephone: +33 38922 4923
Fax: +33 38922 4933
Adresse electronique: vdwerf@colmar.inra.fr
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