Hemp
CultivationCornell

Certificate Program

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes several species. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa species and is grown specifically for its strong fibers and seeds, which are used for various industrial, medicinal, and food products. Cannabis is a complex plant with a variety of characteristics and features, including growth habits, chemical composition, and genetics.

In this course, you will explore the differences among cannabis species in order to help determine their suitability to different agricultural goals. You will also review the many different cultivars, or varieties of plant, within each species, each with its own unique combination of traits, such as high fiber content, high seed yield, or high CBD content. Lastly, you will examine the physiology and morphology of hemp to optimize growth and cultivation practices.

Upon completion of this course, you will have gained a basic scientific understanding of cannabis in regards to producing high-quality hemp crops. You will also be able to select the appropriate cultivar based on your agricultural goals to optimize hemp production.

Hemp propagation is the process of producing new plants from existing ones, and there are several methods that can be used to achieve different agricultural goals. Some of the main types of hemp propagation methods include seed propagation, cloning (vegetative propagation), and tissue culture.

In this course, you will take a deep dive into the world of seed propagation and germination. Understanding these concepts will allow you to assess the germination of your chosen cultivars and make improvements if necessary. You will also explore cloning, or vegetative propagation, including the steps involved and limitations of this method. Lastly, you will explore micropropagation and the tissue culture method to round out your options for hemp propagation methods.

Upon completion of this course, you will have gained an understanding of the different methods of hemp propagation and how their purposes can help growers align propagation methods with their agricultural goals, such as increased yields, improved plant health, and higher-quality hemp products.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Hemp Biology

Indoor hemp cultivation requires careful consideration of various environmental factors. By controlling and monitoring these environmental factors, indoor hemp growers can create a suitable growing environment that helps them achieve their agricultural goals and produce high-quality hemp products.

In this course, you will examine indoor cultivation factors and best practices depending on your agricultural goals; this includes different growing media, light and temperature, and other potential manipulation factors. The aim of controlled environment growth is to achieve specific agricultural goals, such as increased yields, improved plant health, and higher-quality hemp products.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Hemp Biology
• Hemp Propagation

Growing hemp outdoors requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure success and meet agricultural goals. Identifying the appropriate outdoor site is crucial, and details such as access to water, soil quality, and exposure to sunlight should be taken into account.

In this course, you will explore the main considerations when selecting an appropriate outdoor hemp production site. This will include addressing the specific nutrient requirements of hemp crops based on their preferred soil type and fertilizer. Upon completion of this course, you will have an understanding of the factors that should be taken into account in order to select an outdoor site that is suited to your agricultural goals and provides the right conditions for growing a successful hemp crop.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Hemp Biology
• Hemp Propagation
• Indoor Hemp Cultivation

The management of insects, weeds, and diseases is critical to the success of hemp production. There are several strategies and tactics that can be used to minimize the impacts of these potential threats.

In this course, you will begin by reviewing the importance of weed management and how to easily identify different types of problematic weeds to determine which strategies would be best to implement. You will also explore various integrated weed management strategies, including methods for the successful management of cultural, biological, and physical threats. You will then delve into the world of pest management, from understanding the potential effects of pest infestation on your hemp plants to available resources to help identify these pests as well as proper management techniques. Additionally, you will explore hemp plant diseases and how to identify common pathogens present in your growing area.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to identify effective management strategies for combating problematic weeds, insects/pests, and diseases to ensure successful hemp cultivation.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Hemp Biology
• Hemp Propagation
• Indoor Hemp Cultivation
• Outdoor Hemp Cultivation

Hemp harvesting is an important step in the hemp production process. In order to achieve your agricultural goals, it is crucial to determine the best time to harvest the hemp for the desired product.

In this course, you will explore a variety of harvesting factors such as the maturity of the plant and how the desired use of the product can influence the ideal harvesting time. You will also identify the proper equipment that should be used to ensure a successful harvest; this could include items such as pruning shears or a combine, depending on the scale of the operation. After the hemp has been harvested, you will explore why it is important to store the product under optimized conditions to preserve its quality and maximize its shelf life before processing.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Hemp Biology
• Hemp Propagation
• Indoor Hemp Cultivation
• Outdoor Hemp Cultivation
• Managing Insects, Weeds, and Diseases