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 was hit by a devastating environmental disaster known as the Dust Bowl. A combination of poor farming methods and severe drought led to the erosion of fertile soil across vast stretches of farmland. The Library of Congress explains, “Farmers plowed up the prairie grasses and planted dryland wheat. As the demand for wheat products grew, grazing for cattle was reduced, and millions more acres were plowed and planted.”
This destruction of native grasses left the soil exposed to the elements, particularly the fierce winds that Kansas and Oklahoma are known for. The result was a catastrophic series of dust storms that have since been immortalized in American art and literature.
When native plants are removed, the soil becomes vulnerable to erosion. However, with proper agricultural techniques, native plants—or others with deep root systems, such as hemp—can help stabilize the soil and prevent further degradation.
How Hemp Can Restore Soil Health
Hemp is not only useful for preserving soil, but it also has the ability to repair damaged soil. The plant works by absorbing harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, which are stored within the plant until harvest.
For instance, a 2020 study published in GCB Bioenergy highlighted that “A multitude of research has shown that hemp is capable of phytoextraction of heavy metals and radionuclides, with the contaminants being distributed throughout the entire hemp plant in different concentrations.”
Ongoing Research
Recent studies are diving deeper into hemp’s role in soil restoration. A 2022 study from the USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center in California discovered that industrial hemp can effectively extract heavy metals from contaminated soil. Their findings revealed, “Hemp has deep roots and is tolerant to the accumulation of different metals. Additionally, the crop biomass has many potential commercial uses after harvesting.”
Over the last decade, research on hemp’s soil restoration properties has gained momentum, thanks in part to widespread legalization and the resulting increase in biomass availability. The easier access to hemp seeds and young plants has opened new research avenues, advancing the exploration of hemp’s potential in soil rehabilitation.
The Takeaway
Hemp is a versatile plant with many benefits, including its ability to repair and preserve soil. Current research suggests hemp can effectively remove harmful chemicals from the soil and help prevent erosion. The next challenge, however, lies in determining the best use for hemp once it’s harvested. Several options exist, but more research is needed to determine the most effective pathway forward. One thing is clear: the potential of hemp in soil restoration is still unfolding.