How Can Hemp Help Repair Soil?
Over the past decade, climate change and sustainable farming have become central issues. Some people focus on renewable energy solutions, while others prioritize water conservation. There are, in fact, countless ways to make a positive impact for future generations. One powerful contributor to this effort is hemp.
Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant with benefits spanning multiple industries. The surge of biomass production has propelled cannabinoid research in the medical field. Additionally, hemp seeds provide a valuable source of protein and fiber for both humans and animals. Traditional paper products can now be replaced with eco-friendly hemp fiber alternatives, and even construction materials like hempcrete are now available to build sustainable homes.
With such diverse applications, how exactly can hemp support sustainable farming practices and help restore soil health?
It All Starts at the Roots
In the 1930s, the United States faced a devastating environmental crisis known as the Dust Bowl. Due to a combination of prolonged drought and unsustainable farming practices, large areas of farmland suffered severe soil erosion. The Library of Congress notes that “farmers plowed the prairie grasses and planted dry land wheat. As demand for wheat rose, cattle grazing was reduced, and millions more acres were plowed and planted.”
This disruption of natural grasslands left the soil exposed and vulnerable, especially in states like Kansas and Oklahoma, where strong winds are common. The resulting disaster unfolded into a series of events etched into American art and literature as a pivotal ecological lesson.
When native vegetation is removed, the soil is left defenseless. But with mindful agricultural practices, native plants—or deep-rooted crops like hemp—can help stabilize and protect the soil, reducing the risk of erosion.
How Hemp Can Restore Soil Health
Beyond its ability to stabilize soil, hemp has remarkable potential to help restore damaged soil ecosystems. This occurs through a process where hemp absorbs heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants, storing them in its tissues until harvest.
For instance, a 2020 study published in GCB Bioenergy states, “Numerous studies have demonstrated hemp’s ability for phytoextraction of heavy metals and radionuclides, with contaminants accumulating in various parts of the plant at different concentrations.”
Latest Research on Soil Restoration with Hemp
Recent studies have delved into hemp’s role in soil remediation to assess its full potential. A 2022 publication by USDA-ARS researchers in California found that industrial hemp could aid in extracting heavy metals from soil, noting, “Hemp has deep roots and tolerates the accumulation of various metals. Furthermore, its biomass holds commercial value post-harvest.”
Increased legalization has spurred an influx of biomass and access to hemp seeds, accelerating research in soil restoration and preservation over the past decade.
Looking Ahead
Hemp offers multiple benefits for soil health and restoration. Research underscores its capacity to pull contaminants from the earth and provide a barrier against erosion. However, the next step is to determine the best use for harvested hemp laden with pollutants. With various pathways under consideration, one thing is clear: the future of hemp in soil health holds exciting possibilities.
