Location:

Kendir Hemp Plantation - A

Türkiye (40°40'25.3"N 35°18'56.1"E)

Timeline:

September 8-28, 2024 

Harvest Metrics

1. Total Area: 42 decares
2. Hemp Stem Yield: 42 tons (1 ton/decare)
3. Seed Yield: 3,024 kg total (72 kg/decare)

Biological Inputs & Soil Health

1. Effective Microorganisms: 6L/decare
2. Animal Manure: 1.5 tons/decare composted manure
3. Soil pH: Maintained at 6.97
4. Biodiversity: Integration of over 100 beehives

Our Process

Our journey began in early April, embracing regenerative agriculture principles at every step. Initial soil preparation involved careful testing and natural amendments. We enriched the soil with locally produced compost and established beneficial mycorrhizal fungi to enhance nutrient cycling.

The selection and planting of heirloom hemp seeds represented a connection to our agricultural heritage. We planted with 45cm row spacing and 13cm between seeds, at a careful depth of 2.5cm to ensure optimal germination. These spacing decisions were made to allow proper air circulation and root development while maximizing soil coverage.

Throughout the growing season, we maintained the field's health through an integrated approach to regenerative practices. Regular hand weeding not only preserved soil structure but created opportunities for our team to closely observe and nurture beneficial plant relationships. While our sprinkler irrigation system wasn't ideal, we managed it mindfully to conserve water and maintain optimal soil moisture levels.

The presence of over 100 beehives in our hemp fields created a vibrant ecosystem, with bees serving as both pollinators and indicators of field health. Their constant activity and successful honey production demonstrated the thriving biodiversity within our cultivation area. Natural pest management emerged through this enhanced biodiversity and healthy soil ecology, eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides.

Looking Forward

For future harvests, we aim to implement more comprehensive monitoring systems including:

1. Regular soil organic matter testing
2. Water usage tracking
3. Detailed biodiversity surveys
4. Community engagement metrics
5. Systematic documentation of heirloom seed characteristics

This harvest represents another step in our ongoing work to regenerate both land and community through mindful hemp cultivation. Each cycle deepens our understanding and strengthens our commitment to building a resilient agricultural future in Türkiye.