The Impact of Substrate on Chlorophyll Concentration and Plant Health of Cannabis Sativa using Organic and Sustaibably Produced Planting Media

Introduction Within the past several years, the cannabis industry has made a significant impact across the United States. Specifically in Kentucky, interest in hemp production has increased with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that reclassified hemp and allowed for its production within specific state regulations. Hemp has three products to harvest: fiber, oil, and seed. While the planting, cultivation, harvest, and processing of each hemp product is distinct, the germination processes are largely the same. A serious issue within the hemp production industry is establishing consistent, reliable germination rates. Parallel to the germination issue is the modern trend within the consuming public to demand more sustainable, less-chemical-dependant agricultural production methods. Through this research, we hope to combine the latest technology in sustainable, organic planting media with the problem of poor germination of hemp. Methodology Researchers will plant hemp seeds in four different media types and record the growth results from each treatment. Researchers will use a total of 40 hemp plants, ten plants per soil treatment. Each plant will be grown in a one gallon pot, located under T5 fluorescent lights in our research lab. Data on germination, plant vigor, chlorophyll readings, planting media pH, and plant growth characteristics will be collected. Use of Results Results will be used to inform growers, producers, and soil companies of the best practices for hemp germination using sustainable, organic methods