A field trial in the USA is investigating the use of Class A biosolids as a sustainable fertilizer for the purposes of industrial hemp grain and fiber production.
Class A biosolids consist of sewage sludge treated to the point there are virtually no detectable pathogens remaining. These biosolids are a nutrient-rich product from wastewater treatment, and differ from Class B biosolids that have residual pathogens present.
For this project, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in partnership with The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and hemp genetics firm Flura, Inc., are examining how EPA-approved biosolid fertilizer can support regenerative agriculture and sustainable hemp cultivation.
It is looking into the potential benefits, such as increasing hemp fiber yield, enhancing soil health, and reduced environmental impact. Outcomes to be measured include crop performance, soil carbon sequestration, and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) absorption. PFAS substances are human-made “forever chemicals” that persist in the environment and the body, raising health concerns. Hemp has already been used for PFAS remediation applications in the past and proved quite promising.
The study is being carried out at the University of Illinois’ crop science research fields in Champaign-Urbana using trial plots each approximately 1\8 acre. FLURA’s proprietary hemp seed is being used along with Class A biosolids vs. standard urea fertilizer for control.
“Even though hemp does not require heavy inputs of fertilizers compared to other row crops, hemp still needs nutrients depending on the end products, whether fiber, grain, or both, and sustainable nutrient management is essential for both yield and environmental health,” said lead researcher Dr. D.K. Lee, Professor of Crop Sciences at the University . “Our study is examining how biosolids can provide the nutrients needed to support robust fiber and grain production while improving soil health over time.”
Hemp has already been grown under the project, with the first full harvest and analysis conducted in November 2025. Flura commented hemp treated with biosolids seems taller with thicker stalks compared to control plots using standard urea fertilizer.
Harvest and sample analysis will conclude early next year, then the trial will be replicated in 2026 to validate outcomes and inform peer-reviewed publication.
