Those of us who started using cover crops and no-till decades ago remember the challenges we faced using these innovative methods to grow corn, soybeans and small grains.

Choosing vigorous genetics and the correct cover crops, adjusting our planting equipment, and ironing out weed control options were all issues we had to deal with in getting those new growing paradigms figured out.

Fast forward to the present with hemp production, and it’s these same problems we have to deal with. The challenge is even greater in that hemp is a small seed, only planted a half inch deep, and most of the genetics are wimpy in regard to emergence. But I’ve persevered for the past three years and certainly have learned a good deal about how to successfully get both CBD and fiber-type hemp out of the ground while using cover crops and no-till.

Choosing the Correct Cover Crop

Cover crop species matters when it comes to hemp production. The field of fiber hemp that we used to create our hemp maze attraction had been planted in a mix containing cereal rye. A portion of the plot used a mix that included black oats, which is a winter oat that survives the cold.

The direct-seeded hemp sowed into the black oats mix grew unhindered, while what was planted in the cereal rye did not have as good emergence and was lethargic.

Upon observing this, I remembered what I’d been preaching for years. Cereal rye’s allelopathic effect is most prevalent in affecting the germination of small-seeded broadleaf plants, exactly what hemp is. Some things are learned by happenstance and not by intention.

I’ve also noted that hemp grows very well behind hairy vetch — both transplanted CBD varieties and direct-seeded fiber hemp. Now my cover crop mix of choice is based on using black oats and hairy vetch.

Weed Control

There are very few labeled herbicide options when it comes to weed control in hemp, although I know of several institutions that are testing them, including Penn State.

Relying on a cover crop for weed control is a rational approach, but it requires careful planning and execution.

A consistent stand is a given. Allowing it to grow as long as possible in the spring will provide additional suppression of weeds but makes it more difficult to plant into and get a good stand. Starting with a field that has a history of low weed pressure is your best bet.

Fine-Tuning Planting Equipment

Most planters and drills are designed to plant larger seeds at a depth or 1 inch or deeper. This presents quite a challenge with hemp in that it should only be planted a half inch deep.

Here’s what I’ve learned during hours of configuring and reconfiguring our 15-inch planter.

Use row cleaners aggressively in conjunction with a sharp coulter. Install canola seed tubes so the tiny seeds are directed into the shallow seed trench.

We mounted a Rebounder in addition to the Keeton seed firmers. Make sure the closing wheels are spaced correctly for shallow-planted seed. By the way, a good setup can also be used to plant into a green cover crop.

For a CBD-type hemp, a small seed plate will have to be used to singulate the seeds and plant at the proper low population. Even for higher rates of fiber hemp, the use of a single disk drill can be a challenge unless there is very little residue to cut through. Drills with coulters may be better. Set them similar to what you’d do to plant alfalfa or grass.

The Right Genetics

Fortunately, fiber and seed hemp varieties are much better in that they have already been selected from a direct-seeding situation. Even so, pay attention to the germination listed on the seed tag, or better yet, do a germination test yourself to adjust to the desired emergence rate.

Understanding Fertility

All forms of hemp require fertility similar to pumpkins or tomatoes. Adjust applied inputs according to what the cover crop may provide and to the degree of soil health present in the field.

There is nothing better than your own personal experience in getting a successful hemp crop grown using cover crops and no-till. Understanding these basic tips will get you headed in the right direction.

Related Content:

One Farm’s Experience No-Tilling CBD Hemp: No-tiller David Groff from Cedar Meadow Farm in Holtwood, Pa., talks about the farm’s experience this year no-tilling hemp and the cover-crop mix and fertility plan they followed during the growing season.

[Podcast] Steve Groff and the Future-Proof Farm: Holtwood, Pennsylvania no-tiller Steve Groff is among the world’s leaders on adapting no-till for vegetable production. A cover crop enthusiast, Groff has helped thousands of growers improve the health of their soils through field days, presentations and webinars, and his Cover Crop Coaching business.

What I've Learned From No-Tilling: Thick Mulches Make No-Till Work: Steve Groff started to no-till back in 1980, after he got totally fed up with soil erosion. "I distinctly remember having to blade soil back into deep gullies cut by rain storm runoff, before we could harvest corn."