Climate change and sustainable farming practices have been a hot topic of conversation over the last decade. Some individuals direct their focus to creating renewable energy resources, while others focus on water conservation. In fact, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways to help improve the planet for future generations to come. Hemp is just one of these ways.
Hemp is a useful plant for dozens of different reasons. The influx of biomass on the market has accelerated cannabinoid research in the medical field. Hemp seeds can be a useful source of protein and fiber for both humans and some animals. Products traditionally made with paper can now be created using hemp fiber. And speaking of hemp fiber, even houses can be made from it.
So with all of the things hemp can do, how can it help improve farming practices and improve/repair soil quality?
It All Starts at the Roots
In the 1930s, the United States faced the ecological disaster known as the Dust Bowl. Poor farming techniques combined with severe drought led to widespread soil erosion across American farmlands. As the Library of Congress notes, “Farmers plowed under prairie grasses to plant dryland wheat. With rising demand for wheat, cattle grazing was reduced, leading to millions more acres of plowed and planted land.”
This removal of native grasses left the soil exposed to harsh environmental elements, particularly the high winds common in states like Kansas and Oklahoma, setting off a devastating sequence of events that would later become iconic in American art and literature.
When native plants are removed, soil stability declines. However, sustainable farming practices and the planting of crops with deep root systems, such as hemp, can help restore and protect soil, reducing erosion and strengthening the land’s resilience.
How Hemp Can Revitalize Soil Health
Hemp isn’t just beneficial for soil stabilization—it’s also a powerful agent in soil restoration. The plant can absorb heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants, effectively pulling contaminants from the soil and storing them within its structure until it’s harvested.
For instance, a 2020 study in GCB Bioenergy states, “A multitude of research has shown that hemp is capable of phytoextraction of heavy metals and radionuclides, with contaminants being distributed throughout the entire hemp plant in varying concentrations.”
Ongoing Research
Recent studies have been delving deeper into hemp’s potential for soil remediation. A 2022 publication by researchers at USDA-ARS-Western Regional Research Center in California demonstrated that industrial hemp can help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil. According to their findings, “Hemp has deep roots and is tolerant to the accumulation of different metals. In addition, the crop biomass has many potential commercial uses after harvesting is completed.”
The legalization of hemp over the past decade has boosted soil restoration research, with an increase in hemp biomass, seeds, and young plants now available for these studies. This newfound access has broadened the scope of research opportunities in the field.
Looking Ahead
Hemp shows incredible promise for soil remediation and erosion prevention. Research has already confirmed that hemp can draw harmful chemicals out of soil and act as a protective buffer. However, the question remains—what should be done with the hemp plants post-harvest? As scientists explore different avenues, this innovative story of soil restoration with hemp is only just beginning.