In the USA, a field trial is being conducted to investigate the sustainability of using Class A Biosolids for industrial hemp fiber and grain production.
The sludge from sewage treatment is treated until there are no pathogens left. The biosolids produced by wastewater treatment are rich in nutrients and different from the Class B biosolids which contain residual pathogens.
The researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignTogether with The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Greater ChicagoMWRDThe firm (and hemp genetics) Flura, Inc. are examining the potential of EPA-approved Biosolid Fertilizer to support regenerative farming and sustainable hemp production.
This study examines the possible benefits such as increased hemp fiber yield, enhanced soil health, or reduced environmental impact. Crop performance, soil sequestration of carbon, and PFAS absorption are all outcomes that will be measured. Human-made PFAS are persistent “forever chemical” substances that can persist in both the environment and on the human body. They raise health concerns. Hemp has been successfully used to remediate PFAS in the previous.
Study being conducted in Champaign, Illinois at University of Illinois. Trial plots are each 18 acres. FLURA hemp seed and Class A biosolids are used to control the study, along with standard urea fertiliser.
D.K. Lee, Professor of Crop Sciences at the University, said that even though hemp doesn’t require as much fertilizer as other crops, it still requires nutrients, depending on whether you want to make fiber or grain. Sustainable nutrient management, therefore, is important for yields and the environment. Lee is Professor of Crop Sciences, University. The study examines the ability of biosolids to provide soil nutrients that will support fiber production and grain growth while improving soil quality over time.
Hemp was already grown in the project. A full harvest of hemp and an analysis will take place by November 2025. Flura noted that hemp grown with biosolids was taller and had thicker stalks than control plots fertilized with standard urea.
After harvesting and analyzing samples, the trial is repeated in 2026. This will validate results and help inform peer reviewed publications.