Colbert, Jeffrey (Weber State University)
Hemp is a multimillion-dollar industry; however, it is only grown in a few states in the US. In prehistoric time, there was a brackish lake that covered the valley of Utah's Wasatch Front. Because of this lake and different drainage events, the soil chemistry and composition changed depending on the depth and salts concentration of the lake.
This study tested soils from three different locations along the Wasatch Front for their potential to support healthy growth of hemp plants. Mg, Ca, N, P, K concentrations were tested along with pH in soils from different geological strata. In an outdoor environment hemp was grown in five-gallon containers to determine if those soils will support hemp growth yielding high fiber content and quality. Potting soil was used as a control. The same soil characterization tests were conducted after the plants were harvested to show what amendments are needed for a successful crop in following seasons. Mature plants' inflorescences were tested for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD) levels by Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). All plants contained less than 0.3% THC. Fiber quantity was measured using confocal microscopy techniques and compared against the different soil collection locations. Water retting was conducted to extract fiber from stalks. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was conducted confirming UDAF's findings of THC and CBD.