Is hemp a thirsty crop? New research measures just how much water cannabis farming can use
In South Africa, it's been legal for several years for people to grow hemp (a type of Cannabis sativa with very low levels of the psychoactive compound THC) for personal use following changes to the law. There's also been a growing interest in its medicinal and industrial potential for clothing, insulation and paper production. Many see it as a "green gold" opportunity for small-scale farmers.
Research by University of KwaZulu-Natal and Rhodes University scientists sheds light on hemp's water consumption. Using drones, ground sensors and specialized cameras, they measured hemp's water use at a commercial farm in South Africa's Midlands region. Over four months, hemp consumed the equivalent of 377 millimeters of water, with each plant requiring about 28 liters (7.4 gallons) of water daily.
This water use is comparable to large, thirsty plants like eucalyptus trees, which use 30-50 liters per day. Factors such as soil type, terrain, and weed growth influenced hemp's water consumption. The study provides vital baseline data for policymakers to assess hemp's impact on water resources and supports precision agriculture, where drones and sensors enable targeted irrigation.
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