AA
Prof. Dr. Emre Burcu Özkaraova, a faculty member of the Department of Environmental Engineering at Ondokuz Mayıs University's (OMU) Engineering Faculty, emphasized the rediscovery and scientific reestablishment of hemp's centuries-old known uses.
Özkaraova highlighted hemp's versatility as a crop that was extensively used in Anatolia in the past. "Hemp was traditionally used for textiles, ropes, fabrics, and in the medical field. Its seeds were also utilized. Recently, its environmental applications have been rediscovered, revealing its miraculous properties," she said.
She noted the rapid growth of hemp's structure. Hemp can reach over 4 meters in height, varying with its type, growing region, and irrigation. It also has an incredible root network underground, exceeding 2 meters. Part of its magic lies here. You plant it in April and harvest it in August or September. If you are cultivating for seeds, it takes an additional month for the seeds to mature. The faster the stalk grows, the more carbon dioxide it can absorb from the atmosphere. Dense planting is preferred for fiber production, with 14 cm intervals. This prevents the growth of weeds, thus eliminating the need for chemical pesticides."
Özkaraova pointed out that hemp also acts as a natural herbicide, reducing the need for chemicals, making it an eco-friendly crop. "If you practice rotational cropping with hemp, followed by wheat or corn, there's no need for agricultural chemicals in the subsequent crops. Hemp suppresses weeds effectively. Its minimal use of agricultural chemicals highlights its eco-friendly aspect. Hemp does not require irrigation if it receives around 700 millimeters of rainfall. It thrives in moderately humid environments and does not demand excessive watering."
Özkaraova emphasized that hemp could be considered a zero-waste production from an environmental engineering perspective. "Every part of it is used. The fiber is used in textiles. The wood part, left after fiber extraction, serves as sound and thermal insulation materials in construction and industry. Hemp seeds produce hemp oil and biodiesel. The leftover seed cake, if hulled, can be used in the food industry or with hulls in animal feed. Hemp has a well-known history in healing, used by our ancestors. Essentially, we are rediscovering what has been known for centuries about hemp and scientifically re-presenting it. Europe has opened the way for this. Farmers are receiving more incentives for industrial hemp."
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