The following is a book review for "Crop Physiology of Fibre Hemp."

"Crop Physiology of Fibre Hemp" is Hayo van der Werf's doctoral thesis from
the Agrotechnical Research Institute at the University of Wageningen, the
Netherlands. 1994. 152 pages. Food crop prices have fallen in recent
years and subsidies have been reduced in Europe. Consequently crop
rotations have been restricted to fewer and more profitable crops. This
narrow rotation has led to increased diseases and dependence on biocides,
pesticides, herbicides. The Dutch Hemp Research program in an effort to
diversify into non-food crops and use less chemicals has studied hemp
extensively, spending over $9 million since 1990.. This highly technical
book presents the history, botany, and agronomic potential for fiber hemp
in the Pulp & Paper industry. It compares hemp to Kenaf. Hemp is better
suited to temperate climates than kenaf as it grows at lower temperatures
and will establish its canopy more rapidly. If planted at higher density
hemp suppresses weeds and no pesticides or herbicides are needed. Recently
the paper industry has come under attack for its negative impact on the
environment: deforestation, chemical waste, and high energy use. Stems
from bast fiber crops including hemp can help alleviate these problems.
The research program analyzes various hemp cultivars for yield and tests
the effects of plant density, 24 hour daylight, nitrogen application, and
various effects on hemp stem quality. (The figures are all metric so get
out your conversion charts!) The book gives some overview of world-wide
hemp production...about 260,000 thousand hectares, (640,000 acres...all of
it quite legal) in 1992 and making quite a comeback. It also reveals
various cultural practices and methods of growing hemp for the expanding
pulp and paper market. The book can be ordered from Ohio Hempery, 7002
State Route 329, Guysville, Ohio 45735 Orders: 1-800-BUY-HEMP
Information: (6l4) 662-4367. Send $22.50 plus $2.50 S&H. Also available
is the Journal of the International Hemp Association published twice yearly
$50 yearly, $25 for student: IHA, Postbus 75007, 1070 AA Amsterdam, the
Netherlands. This book and Journal belong in every agricultural college
library....but don't hold your breath!

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