Rodale: cover crops and planting dates for better hemp fibre
Regenerative News · Research update of 25 September 2026
The Rodale Institute is launching new trials to investigate how winter cover crops and planting dates influence fibre hemp establishment, soil health and fibre quality.
Three approaches to preparing the soil
The trials compare:
- A winter cover crop of rye.
- A mixture of rye and hairy vetch.
- Tilled soil without a cover crop.
Hemp will be sown on two different dates to examine the interaction between cover crops and crop establishment timing.
What will be monitored
Over two growing seasons, the researchers will record emergence, growth, biomass and weed pressure.
In the soil, they will examine microbial activity, organic matter, aggregate stability and water infiltration. At harvest, they will assess fibre yield and quality.
From trials to practical applications
Results will be shared with growers through field visits, information leaflets, a webinar and a scientific publication. The goal is practical guidance that combines suitable cover crops with appropriate planting dates.
Connection with our field work
We are interested in approaches that link cover-crop choices with measurements of soil functioning. In our olive groves, we aim to monitor vegetation, moisture and microbiology, connecting observations with vegetation management.
Source: Rodale Institute, Improving Fiber Hemp Quality through Cover Crop Selection and Right Planting Time