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 endured what history now refers to as the Dust Bowl. A combination of poor farming techniques and severe drought led to the widespread erosion of farmland soil. According to the Library of Congress, “Farmers plowed up the prairie grasses and sowed dryland wheat. As demand for wheat products increased, cattle grazing was reduced, and millions of additional acres were plowed and planted.”
This removal of native grasses left the soil exposed and vulnerable to the elements, particularly the strong winds that sweep across states like Kansas and Oklahoma. The result was a devastating series of events, one that has been captured in American art and literature.
When native vegetation is displaced, the soil becomes prone to erosion. However, with sustainable farming practices, native plants or those with deep root systems—such as hemp—can play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion, and restoring balance.
How Hemp Can Restore and Protect Soil
Hemp offers significant benefits beyond soil preservation—it also has the ability to repair damaged soil. Through a process known as phytoextraction, hemp absorbs contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants from the soil. These contaminants are stored in the plant, where they remain until the hemp is harvested and removed.
A 2020 study published by GCB Bioenergy highlights hemp’s ability to absorb and distribute heavy metals and radionuclides throughout the plant, demonstrating its potential for cleaning polluted environments.
Current Research and Advancements
Ongoing research continues to investigate hemp’s role in soil restoration. A 2022 study by USDA-ARS-Western Regional Research Center in California found that industrial hemp is effective at extracting heavy metals from soil. Hemp’s deep roots and tolerance for metal accumulation make it an ideal candidate for phytoremediation. Moreover, after harvest, the biomass of the crop offers multiple potential commercial uses.
The increased availability of hemp seeds and young plants, coupled with the push for hemp legalization, has accelerated research in this field. This influx of biomass has expanded the scope of possible applications, offering exciting new opportunities for soil repair and preservation.
The Future of Hemp in Soil Restoration
Hemp is a versatile and valuable plant with a growing list of uses, including soil repair and preservation. Research has already demonstrated hemp’s ability to extract harmful chemicals from soil while providing protection against erosion. However, the next challenge is determining the best use for the harvested hemp. With various pathways available, ongoing research will help shape the future of this powerful plant in environmental restoration. One thing is clear: the potential of hemp in soil health is just beginning to be fully realized.