Soil quality and phytoremediation

The hemp thick roots enter the soil, breaking up lightly compacted soil and improving its structure. This technique improves soil aeration, water infiltration, and nutrient circulation, all of which are essential for maintaining healthy soil ecosystems (Adesina et al., 2020; Ahmed et al., 2021; Amaducci et al., 2008). Additionally, hemp production can assist prevent soil erosion since its deep root structure stabilizes the soil. Its cultivation can help rejuvenate damaged soils, enhance soil organic matter, and improve long-term soil fertility (ibid.).

Hemp can be grown on contaminated areas acting as a phytoremediator by decontaminating toxins in the ground resulting from mining or metallurgical activity. (Mańkowski et al., 2020) (Placido & Lee, 2022) (Government of Alberta – Agriculture and Forestry, 2020). The plant is doing so by absorbing and breaking down organic contaminants from the soil (Rheay et al., 2020), making it useful in environmental cleanup efforts. Furthermore, hemp has been tested to extract pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and toxins (Placido & Lee, 2022; Rheay et al., 2020).