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Dead Constitution See other Dead Constitution Articles Title: A New Industry in California: The Production of Hemp The University of California A New Industry in California: The Production of Hemp The growing of hemp is comparatively a new industry in California. It has been grown for some time in other parts of the United States, and has reached most importance in Kentucky, where, in 1917, the area planted to hemp reached a total of 18,000 acres. Wisconsin was second at this time with a total of 7000 acres, while North Dakota and California were next, each with 5000 acres. In 1918, possibilities of the hemp industry in this state were shown by the production of 2500 tons on 4000 acres near Stockton. Hemp is also being grown quite successfully near Davis and the acreage is rapidly being increased as facilities for handling the product are installed. The importations of hemp fiber into the United States amounted to 9635 tons in 1917 and to 6813 tons in 1918. The total value of the hemp imported in 1918 was about two and three-quarter million dollars, the greater part coming from Italy and the Philippines. The plant itself (Cannabis sativa) is an annual. It grows very rapidly and soon kills any competitive weeds with its dense shade. It is a native of the warmer parts of Asia but is now grown in many parts of the world. Many seeds are produced, which are greatly liked by birds, and which are often sold as food for caged birds. The plant reaches at times a height of 18 feet, but from 10 to 12 feet is said to be the more desirable height. It is subject to injury by frost, but little trouble has been encountered in California from this source. The growth of hemp in the alluvial soils of the Sacramento Valley has been unusually successful, producing a yield and strength of fiber which has not been excelled in any other part of the world. A deep loam has been found to be best suited to the growth of the plant, it not doing well on a heavy clay nor a light sandy soil. The seeds are drilled like grain, about one bushel being planted to the acre. In California it is planted during the months of March and April. When sufficiently mature about 75 per cent of the leaves have dropped off and the first seeds are well ripened. This usually takes about one hundred days, during which, in the Sacramento Valley, four irrigations are required. The check method of irrigation is employed. After reaching the usual maturity it is cut with a reaper and left spread evenly on the ground to cure for a period of about six weeks. This curing process is similar to the "retting" process to which flax is subjected and results in a softening of the gums which hold the fibers together. These fibers form a protective layer over the pithy interior of the plant. Rain during the period of "retting" decreases the time required for the process. Following the curing process the long stalks are run thru some machine such as that invented by Mr. Schlicten of Davis and known as the Schlicten Decorticator. This machine has materially decreased the labor required for the handling of the fiber. It brings about a separation of the fiber from the rest of the plant, the fibers being gathered into small bunches as they come from the machine. A mill for the separation of the fiber has been erected by Mr. Schlicten at Davis and a considerable acreage of hemp has been contracted for, for the following season. About one ton of the fiber is produced from four tons of the stalks. The material separated from the fiber may be returned to the soil so but little plant food is removed from the soil by the crop. The material may also be burned to furnish the power to run the mill. Mr. Schlicten has obtained an average yield of four tons of the stalks to the acre. He has stated that the cost of production and transportation to the mill probably will not exceed $50 an acre. At the present time he has contracted for the hemp stalks at $30 a ton. This makes a gross profit on an average production of four tons to the acre of $120 per acre and a net profit of $70 per acre. Previous to the war the price paid for the fiber was $150 a ton, but at present it is $240 a ton, according to the report of the California State Board of Agriculture. This allows a good margin for the separation and handling of the fiber in the mill. The fiber is used principally for twines, for heavy sewing threads, and for fish lines. It is also taking the place of the lower and medium grades of flax or linen fabrics. The California product is replacing the imported raw materials and the textile from the same, and from all appearances, its production bids fair to become a profitable industry.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 4.
#1. To: christine, Prefrontal Vortex, Cynicom, Esso, Lod, abraxas, wbales, Bub, Original_Intent, HOUNDDAWG, Deasy, Pinguinite (#0)
Posted as this is one of the few mentions from the period about Schlicten and his machine. Schlicten was the Eli Whitney of hemp and the powers that be have made sure that the memory of both he and his invention have been almost obliterated.
Did a Tesla on him......no surprise. Finally, we find an upside to this depression. : ) Good news, bluegrass. Thanks for the ping.
#5. To: abraxas (#4)
Let's grow hemp everywhere! :)
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