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Principles of Hemp Cultivation

Dr. Blake Colclasure

This course provides an in-depth investigation of hemp as an agronomic and horticultural crop. Agronomic principles pertaining to industrial hemp as a field crop are explored, including the cultivation, management, and harvesting of hemp for fiber and seed production. Growing hemp under controlled environments for flower production will also be discussed. Cultivation practices including irrigation, fertilization, integrated pest management (IPM), air circulation, and light control are examined for optimal crop quality and yield.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Differentiate hemp cultivation practices according to primary harvestable product (flower, seed, fiber, etc.)
  • Design a soil and nutrient management plan that includes site selection, necessary soil amendments, and fertilizer use required for optimal hemp production
  • Assess why light, water, and air are important considerations in the growing environment
  • Design a hemp propagation and monitoring plan for indoor or outdoor production
  • Identify common pests (insects, weeds, fungi, disease) combating hemp production
  • Design an integrated pest management (ipm) plan for hemp cultivation that includes biological, mechanical, cultural, and chemical controls
  • Design a harvesting and storing plan for hemp cultivation
  • Explain how growers can adapt decision making according to changes in infrastructure, consumer demand, legislation, and technology innovations
  • By the end of the course learners will:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces the primary harvestable hemp products and the different cultivation practices required for each
Explores soil and nutrient management for hemp production, providing learners with practical knowledge for optimizing crop quality and yield
Examines the significance of light, water, and air in the growing environment and how they impact hemp production
Provides a comprehensive overview of hemp propagation and monitoring techniques, equipping learners with essential skills for successful cultivation
Teaches learners how to identify common pests and diseases that affect hemp production and develop effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans
Guides learners through the harvesting and storage processes for hemp, ensuring they understand the best practices for preserving crop quality
Emphasizes the importance of adapting decision-making based on changing industry dynamics, ensuring learners stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations

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Reviews summary

In-depth hemp cultivation principles

According to the course design, learners say this course offers a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into Principles of Hemp Cultivation. It is structured to provide practical applications, guiding students to design soil, nutrient, and IPM plans. The curriculum, derived from academic objectives, suggests a strong emphasis on agronomic principles and managing diverse hemp products like fiber, seed, and flower. Students interested in controlled environment growing and adapting to market changes would find the course particularly valuable, though those new to agriculture may find its depth demanding without foundational knowledge.
Content is detailed, potentially dense for beginners.
"While comprehensive, I found it quite advanced at times and believe a basic agriculture background would be beneficial."
"Some sections required prior understanding of general horticulture terms, making it less beginner-friendly than expected."
"This course seems ideal for those with some existing knowledge in agriculture or botany, not necessarily true novices."
Built on robust agronomic and horticultural principles.
"The course grounded my understanding in scientific principles of cultivation, which is crucial for serious growers."
"It explains the 'why' behind various cultivation practices, not just the 'how', which I found very valuable."
"I feel much more confident in applying integrated pest management after the detailed and scientific module."
Focuses on designing real-world cultivation plans.
"I learned how to design a soil and nutrient management plan that I can immediately apply on my farm."
"The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) section provided incredibly practical strategies for pest control."
"This course equips me with skills to adapt my decision-making based on changes in consumer demand and legislation."
Explores hemp cultivation from multiple angles.
"This course covers everything from fiber to flower production, giving me a complete picture of hemp cultivation."
"I appreciate the deep dive into both agronomic principles and controlled environment growing, which is truly comprehensive."
"It provides an in-depth investigation into hemp, far exceeding what I've seen in other courses."
Theoretical focus might benefit from more virtual labs.
"I wished for more virtual simulations or interactive demonstrations of cultivation steps to bridge the theory-practice gap."
"While the concepts are clear, applying them without hands-on practice or visual examples can be challenging in an online format."
"Some specific topics, like detailed pest identification, would greatly benefit from more diverse real-world visual examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Principles of Hemp Cultivation with these activities:
Take Practice Quizzes Regularly
Practice makes perfect! Taking practice quizzes regularly will help you assess your understanding of the course material and identify areas where you may need more study.
Show steps
  • After completing each module, take the corresponding practice quiz.
  • Review your answers and focus on correcting any incorrect responses.
  • Repeat the process for each module.
Create a Study Guide
Creating a study guide will help you retain information and prepare for exams more effectively.
Show steps
  • Gather your notes and materials.
  • Organize the information logically.
  • Include key terms, definitions, and concepts.
  • Use different learning styles (e.g., visual, auditory) to make it more engaging.
  • Review your study guide regularly.
Enroll in horticulture online courses
Supplemental online courses provide an interactive environment where you can deepen your knowledge and understanding of horticulture.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online course providers that offer horticulture courses.
  • Choose courses that align with your interests and learning goals.
  • Set aside time in your schedule for coursework and active participation.
  • Engage with course materials, complete assignments, and participate in discussions.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Attend a horticulture workshop
Horticulture workshops offer hands-on learning experiences and networking opportunities that can enhance your knowledge and skills.
Show steps
  • Research and identify horticulture workshops in your area of interest.
  • Register for the workshop and make arrangements for travel and accommodation (if necessary).
  • Attend the workshop, participate actively, and engage with experts.
  • Take advantage of opportunities to ask questions and network with other attendees.
Contribute to open-source horticulture projects
Participating in open-source projects provides practical experience and allows you to contribute to the horticulture community.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source horticulture projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review project documentation and select one that aligns with your skills and interests.
  • Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and development process.
  • Contribute code, fixes, or improvements to the project.
  • Collaborate with other contributors and learn from their expertise.

Career center

Learners who complete Principles of Hemp Cultivation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hemp Farmer
Hemp Farming is involved with cultivating the plant for various purposes, including producing seeds, fiber, and various extracts. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation would provide you with the background knowledge you need to understand and apply techniques to cultivate and harvest hemp in different environments and controlled settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hemp Farmer
Cannabis Processor
A Cannabis Processor specializes in handling, processing, and extracting components from various cannabis plants, including hemp. This role requires a deep understanding of cultivation techniques and proper handling methods to maintain the quality and composition of the processed materials. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can significantly enhance your knowledge and skills in these areas, providing you with a competitive advantage in the industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cannabis Processor
Agricultural Research Scientist - Hemp, Fiber and Grain Crops
An Agricultural Research Scientist focusing on Hemp, Fiber, and Grain Crops plays a vital role in advancing the field by conducting research, developing new cultivation methods, and improving crop quality and yield. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a solid foundation in the agronomic principles, environmental factors, and cultivation practices specific to hemp, fiber, and grain crops, enabling you to contribute effectively to research and development in this domain.
See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Research Scientist - Hemp, Fiber and Grain Crops
Horticulturist - Hemp and Cannabis
A Horticulturist specializing in Hemp and Cannabis is responsible for cultivating, managing, and optimizing the growth of hemp and cannabis plants in various controlled environments, including greenhouses and indoor facilities. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation would provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the cultivation techniques, environmental factors, and pest management strategies specific to hemp and cannabis, helping you excel in this specialized field of horticulture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Horticulturist - Hemp and Cannabis
Cannabis Consultant
A Cannabis Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to businesses and individuals involved in the cannabis industry, including hemp cultivation and processing. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can equip you with the knowledge and credibility to advise clients on best practices, regulatory compliance, and cultivation techniques, enabling you to establish yourself as a trusted expert in the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cannabis Consultant
Cannabis Product Developer
A Cannabis Product Developer is responsible for formulating, developing, and launching new cannabis-based products, including hemp-derived products. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a deep understanding of the plant's composition, cultivation practices, and extraction methods, enabling you to develop innovative and high-quality products that meet market demands.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cannabis Product Developer
Hemp Breeder
A Hemp Breeder specializes in developing new hemp varieties with improved traits, such as yield, fiber quality, and cannabinoid content. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation would provide you with a solid foundation in hemp genetics, breeding techniques, and cultivation practices, enabling you to contribute to the development of new and improved hemp varieties that meet the evolving needs of the industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hemp Breeder
Agronomist - Hemp and Fiber Crops
An Agronomist specializing in Hemp and Fiber Crops focuses on improving the productivity and sustainability of hemp and fiber crop production systems. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation would provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the agronomic principles, soil management practices, and environmental factors that influence hemp and fiber crop growth, enabling you to develop and implement effective crop management strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Agronomist - Hemp and Fiber Crops
Hemp Fiber Processor
A Hemp Fiber Processor is responsible for extracting and processing hemp fibers from the plant to produce high-quality materials for various applications, such as textiles, construction, and biocomposites. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a thorough understanding of the cultivation practices, harvesting techniques, and fiber extraction methods specific to hemp, enabling you to optimize the fiber quality and yield.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hemp Fiber Processor
Cannabis Quality Control Analyst
A Cannabis Quality Control Analyst is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of cannabis products, including hemp-derived products. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a deep understanding of hemp cultivation practices, harvesting techniques, and quality control procedures, enabling you to effectively evaluate and maintain the quality of cannabis products throughout the supply chain.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cannabis Quality Control Analyst
Hemp Seed Producer
A Hemp Seed Producer specializes in cultivating and harvesting hemp plants for the production of high-quality hemp seeds. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the cultivation practices, harvesting techniques, and seed processing methods specific to hemp, enabling you to optimize seed yield and quality for various applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hemp Seed Producer
Greenhouse Manager -Hemp and Cannabis
A Greenhouse Manager specializing in Hemp and Cannabis is responsible for overseeing the cultivation and management of hemp and cannabis plants in controlled greenhouse environments. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a strong foundation in the environmental control techniques, irrigation and fertilization practices, and pest and disease management strategies specific to hemp and cannabis, enabling you to effectively manage greenhouse operations and optimize crop production.
See salaries and explore the career path for Greenhouse Manager -Hemp and Cannabis
Hemp Educator or Extension Specialist
A Hemp Educator or Extension Specialist plays a vital role in disseminating knowledge and providing technical assistance to farmers, growers, and industry professionals involved in hemp cultivation. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation would provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the cultivation practices, environmental factors, and pest management strategies specific to hemp, enabling you to effectively educate and support stakeholders in the industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hemp Educator or Extension Specialist
Hemp Distributor or Wholesaler
A Hemp Distributor or Wholesaler is responsible for supplying hemp products, such as fiber, seeds, and extracts, to businesses and consumers. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a deep understanding of the cultivation practices, harvesting techniques, and quality standards specific to hemp, enabling you to effectively evaluate and source high-quality hemp products for distribution.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hemp Distributor or Wholesaler
Hemp Retail Manager
A Hemp Retail Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a retail store specializing in hemp products. A course in the Principles of Hemp Cultivation can provide you with a thorough understanding of the different hemp products available, their cultivation practices, and their potential applications, enabling you to effectively manage inventory, provide informed guidance to customers, and promote the benefits of hemp.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hemp Retail Manager

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Principles of Hemp Cultivation.
Cover image
Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture
Save
A comprehensive glossary of terms related to sustainable agriculture, including many terms relevant to hemp cultivation. A valuable reference for students and practitioners.
Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture...
Paperback
$$
Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture:...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Marijuana Horticulture
Save
A classic guide to cannabis cultivation, with detailed instructions on everything from seed selection to harvesting and curing. While not specific to hemp, it provides valuable insights for hemp growers.
Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical...
Paperback
$$
Indoor Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor Bible
Paperback
$$$
Marijuana Horticulture_Russian Language (Russian...
Paperback
$$
Marijuana Horticulture_Russian Language (Russian...
Paperback
$$$
Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs
Save
A comprehensive overview of the medical and nutritional benefits of hemp. Provides valuable insights for consumers and healthcare professionals.
Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs: A Scientific...
Paperback
$$$
Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs: A Scientific...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Agricultural Sustainability and Environmental...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of hemp as a new crop. It covers a wide range of topics, including cultivation, processing, and marketing. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of hemp.
Agricultural Sustainability and Environmental...
Paperback
Check
Agricultural Sustainability and Environmental...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing9
Save
Provides a practical guide to the cultivation and use of hemp. It covers topics such as plant biology, cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, and the use of hemp in various applications.
Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing9
Paperback
Check
Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing9
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
A Valency Dictionary of English
Save
Provides a practical guide to the cultivation and use of hemp. It covers a wide range of topics, including soil preparation, planting, and harvesting. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this versatile plant.
A Valency Dictionary of English: A Corpus-Based...
Hardcover
$$$$
A Valency Dictionary of English: A Corpus-Based...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Biological Collections
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of hemp as a sustainable crop. It covers a wide range of topics, including cultivation, processing, and marketing. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of hemp.
Biological Collections: Ensuring Critical Research...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Handbook of Crime Correlates
Save
This handbook offers a concise overview of the cultivation, processing, and marketing of hemp. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this versatile plant.
Handbook of Crime Correlates
Hardcover
$$$
Handbook of Crime Correlates
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
8 to 10 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Doane University
Instructor
Dr. Blake Colclasure
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces the primary harvestable hemp products and the different cultivation practices required for each
Explores soil and nutrient management for hemp production, providing learners with practical knowledge for optimizing crop quality and yield
Examines the significance of light, water, and air in the growing environment and how they impact hemp production
Provides a comprehensive overview of hemp propagation and monitoring techniques, equipping learners with essential skills for successful cultivation
Teaches learners how to identify common pests and diseases that affect hemp production and develop effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans
Guides learners through the harvesting and storage processes for hemp, ensuring they understand the best practices for preserving crop quality
Emphasizes the importance of adapting decision-making based on changing industry dynamics, ensuring learners stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations
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