[Prev][Next][Index]

Re: Hemp rope



>    * To: organic@sunsite.unc.edu
>    * Subject: Hemp rope
>    * From: hutch@rtpnet.org
>    * Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 22:23:14 -0700
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> When I had a small sailboat in the early 1940s, several of my ropes were made from hemp.
> While not as strong and elastic as the later nylon and other synthetics, they were quite adequate.
> 
> I believe they came from the Phillipines.
> 
> Hemp seemed to be a good, strong material, completely organic.
> 
> Is there any commercial hemp production these days?  What are the economics of this material?


At least one state in the US has legalized the growing of industrial,
low-THC hemp for food & fiber products (the seeds are protein-rich).

Low-THC varieties of hemp have been developed in Europe, possibly 
Germany; don't know about sources for same in the US.

N.C. may be peripherially interested in hemp as a replacement crop for
tobacco that would bring good income and rank near cotton in annual
NC ag income.

Uses would include:

rope
cloth
livestock feed
biomass for compost (mix with municipal sludge or animal manure to
                     improve C/N ratio
biomass for conversion to synfuel
cover crop for soil building and weed control; possibly host crop for
beneficial organisms; provide food and refuge for wildlife


Lawrence
mailto:london@sunSITE.unc.edu
http://sunSITE.unc.edu/london  -  Dirtfarmer's Digs