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What do cultivators do to prepare and replenish soils before and after growing hemp outdoors, especially those with less than optimal soil?
Every state university (for example, Clemson University or NCSU) has public testing laboratories for soil, plants, fertilizers, animal feeds, etc. Dr. Justice recommends using this service for soil testing and then collaborating with an extension agent on how to treat your soil.
This extension agent or a local farm supply store (not Tractor Supply, an actual farm store which will spread manure, lime, etc by truck on your acreage based) will make recommendations based on your soil test. These are also great resources for giving advice on what is local in your area in terms of bulk manure.
For example, there may be a local supply from a mushroom farm or chicken house which you could use to increase organic content and nitrogen.
Last, use cover crops! These will be a game changer for you, especially in clay soils, for improving aeration and adding organic content.