Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Vs. hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation

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Summary

Cassava and hemp are strategically important crops in tropical and temperate agricultural systems, respectively. Although they have botanical and productive differences, both require adequate agronomic management to maximize their yield and sustainability. This article compares the main components of the agronomic management of both crops, highlighting soil and climate requirements, nutrition, health, production cycle and potential for sustainable agricultural systems.

Keywords: cassava, hemp, agronomic management, industrial crops.

1. Soil and climate requirements

Cassava adapts to tropical climates, with optimal temperatures between 25 and 29 °C and high drought tolerance and soils of medium to low fertility. Hemp prefers temperate to warm climates (18–30 °C), deep, fertile, and well-drained soils, and is sensitive to excess moisture. In comparison, cassava has greater rusticity, while hemp is more demanding in edaphic conditions.

2. Propagation and establishment

Cassava is propagated vegetatively by cuttings, which ensures genetic uniformity, but increases the risk of disease transmission. Hemp is established from certified seed, with variable densities depending on the productive destination (fiber or grain). This difference conditions sanitary management and crop planning. Although they are mass production and monoculture systems, sustainable agribusiness technologies are already being applied that reduce the impact on soils and reduce the carbon footprint

Cassava Plantation Nigeria 2015 Source: Marcus Cassava

3. Nutritional management

Cassava has moderate nutritional requirements and high efficiency in nutrient absorption, with a marked response to potassium. Hemp is in high demand, especially for early-stage nitrogen, which calls for more precise fertilization plans. Both crops are compatible with organic fertilization and sustainable management approaches.

4. Phytosanitary management

Cassava faces recurrent problems such as bacteriosis, mites and whiteflies, requiring integrated management strategies. Hemp, in contrast, has lower pest pressure and a high capacity to suppress weeds, although it is susceptible to fungal diseases in humid environments.

Chiche verde Nezara viridula in the state of Nymph and eggs, in Cannabis. Source: Cassabis.org

5. Production cycle and harvest

Cassava has a long cycle (8–18 months) and its harvest is focused on tuberous roots. Hemp is short-cycle (90–150 days), allowing intensive rotations and production of fiber, grain, or biomass. This difference directly influences agricultural planning and land use.

6. Performance

Cassava with traditional management produces between 12-18 tons of fresh roots while Hemp produces between 8-12 tons of biomass and 1 ton of grain. With technified management in cassava, between 30-40 tons of roots can be obtained, while with technified hemp between 15-20 tons of biomass and 2 tons of grains.

Panamá 2011, Brasilian variety. Source: Cassabis.org

7. Conclusions

Cassava stands out for its resilience and contribution to food security, while hemp stands out for its industrial versatility and environmental potential. The potential that hemp has to absorb heavy metals and toxic substances from contaminated soils is highlighted, making it a sustainable crop. From an agronomic point of view, the choice between the two crops will depend on the soil and climatic conditions, the available resources and the target market, and can even be integrated into diversified and sustainable production systems.

References

Cock, J. H. (1985). Cassava: New potential for a neglected crop. Westview Press.
FAO. (2013). Save and Grow: Cassava. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
El-Sharkawy, M. A. (2004). Cassava biology and physiology. Plant Molecular Biology, 56(4), 481–501.
Amaducci, S., Scordia, D., Liu, F. H., Zhang, Q., Guo, H., Testa, G., & Cosentino, S. L. (2015). Key cultivation techniques for hemp. Industrial Crops and Products, 68, 2–16.
Small, E. (2015). Cannabis: A complete guide. CRC Press.