Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been grown around the world. Hemp seeds can be consumed for human or animal consumption and may be used as whole seeds, flour, and protein. Oil extracted from seeds is suitable for human consumption and industrial uses, such as in the inclusion of cosmetics [2]. The problem of weed invasion is a major problem in hemp production, which can lead to major economical yield losses. Hence, in this research we aimed to investigate the effects of weed interference on growth and grain yield, oil percentage and fiber yield of hemp. Living mulch significantly influenced weed suppression and a number of phenological characters, and yield of industrial hemp. Using living mulch markedly reduced weed weight. However, weed competition significantly decreased all above mentioned traits in industrial hemp. Weekly height data showed that the weed interference resulted in shorter plants at harvest due to a more rapid decline in leaf area index and crop growth rate than for the living mulch. Weed interference significantly decreased stem thickness compared to that of living mulch. Also, leaf chlorophyll content was significantly affected by weed competition. Fibre yield of hemp was greatest at living mulch treatment, which was significantly higher in comparison to weedy plots. Seed and oil yields were very poor overall weedy treatment compared to living mulch treatment. It can be concluded that using living mulch technique can be exploited in order to maximize the oil, fiber and seed yields and quality of industrial hemp.
