Weed management in hemp cultivation

Publication date: 05-06-2026
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: Panayiota Papastylianou, Ioannis Gazoulis, Angeliki Kousta and Metaxia Kokkini, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece; and Panagiotis Kanatas, University of Patras, Greece

Chapter synopsis:

Hemp is well known as an effective weed competitive plant due to its rapid growth and canopy closure. As result, weed control in hemp was frequently considered unnecessary for fiber production, particularly under high crop densities. However, recent studies indicate that effective weed management is essential to maximize seed and/or cannabinoid yield, especially at low plant spacing. The aim of this chapter was to propose several approaches that can be integrated into Integrated Weed Management systems for the sustainable cultivation of hemp in European agriculture. In this context, first, the information regarding the optimal crop establishment were given. Chemical and mechanical applications for effective weed control were also reviewed. The chapter highlights the differences of hemp cultivars concerning their competitive ability for weed suppression. Further, the chapter focuses on the crucial role of agronomic practices affecting weed suppression such as crop density, fertilization management and irrigation practices.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0161.22