The potential of hemp to produce bioenergy

Hemp is a promising crop for the production of bioenergy due to its adaptability to pedo-climatic conditions, the fact that it is easily introduced in cropping systems, and its yield stability and resistance to biotic and abiotic diseases. Nevertheless it cannot compete with sorghum in those areas where sorghum can be cultivated, in terms of production level or energy balance; the latter is always positive both regarding energy efficiency and net gain. A problem that has to be overcome is the availability of seeds, and of cultivars suited to the crop environment in Italy. Given the versatility of hemp, its economic benefits may be improved by using all the products that can be obtained from the crop.