Hemp Biosolids Being Explored as Sustainable Fertilizer in First US Field Trial

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign County, Illinois), are conducting the first-of-its-kind US field trial which is investigating how Class A biosolids can be utilized as a sustainable fertilizer for the production of industrial hemp grain and fiber (1). The university is working in partnership with Flura, Inc. (Flura) and The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). The research initiative is called “Evaluating Environmental Benefits of Growing Hemp with Biosolids”.

The research plans to examine potential benefits that include (1):

• Increased fiber yield
• Improved soil health
• Reduced environmental impact
  • Measuring outcomes across multiple metrics: crop performance, soil carbon sequestration, and PFAS absorption.

In November 2025, the first full harvest and analysis took place. Replication is scheduled for 2026 to confirm the results. So far, visual observations have shown that hemp grown with biosolids look to be taller and consist of thicker stalks when compared to control plots that used standard urea fertilizer (1).

“This trial is being led by Dr. D.K. Lee, a crop science researcher with more than 25 years of experience conducting field studies for universities, the Department of Energy, and commercial growers,” said Jeffrey Yarosz, Founder, FLURA (1). “His leadership ensures scientific rigor, transparency, and the kind of independent oversight needed to set a national standard.”

The press release goes into detail on the study’s design (1:

Location: University of Illinois crop science research fields, Champaign-Urbana

Plot Size: Trial plots are approximately 1\8-acre

Inputs: Flura's proprietary hemp seed; Class A biosolids vs. standard urea fertilizer (control)

Oversight: Independent scientific supervision ensures accuracy and credibility

Key focus areas (1):

• Fertilizer efficacy and fiber/grain yield comparisons
• Carbon sequestration potential through root biomass measurement
• PFAS absorption monitoring across different plant tissues
• Overall hemp remediation potential

“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 Dr. Lee. “Our study is examining how biosolids can provide the nutrients needed to support robust fiber and grain production while improving soil health over time.”

Industrial hemp has a deep root system, as well as a fast-growing crop. These plants are very effective in a process called phytoremediation, which is when the plant uptakes whatever is in the soil (2). This could be heavy metals or other additives. The trial is exploring how hemp can possibly benefit farmers through lowered input costs and long-term productivity improvement through strengthening the soil, increasing water retention, and decreasing erosion and chemical runoff (1).

MWRD has provided the funding and Class A biosolids utilized in the trail. Flura has offered the hemp seeds, while the University of Illinois will be handling the on-farm application.

“By partnering on this trial, we're exploring innovative ways to use Class A biosolids to support sustainable agriculture,” said Jeffrey Yarosz, Founder, Flura. “The goal is to understand how these nutrient-rich, EPA-approved materials can enhance soil health, improve crop productivity, and provide a model for environmentally responsible farming practices that other regions across the US can follow.”

“Flura is proud to partner on this pioneering trial, which showcases how innovative nutrient solutions can advance regenerative agriculture,” added Yarosz. “By converting biosolids into high-quality, EPA-approved fertilizer and combining it with our hemp seed, we're helping farmers increase yields, build healthier soils, and demonstrate a scalable circular economy model.”

The trial will be harvesting and conducting sample analysis in the beginning of 2026 (1). Lastly, the trial will be replicated at some time in 2026, where researchers will be trying to confirm the outcomes from the results of the trial which will be utilized to support peer-reviewed publication.

References

1. Flura Inc. First U.S. hemp-biosolids trial tests breakthrough sustainable fertilizer https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-us-hemp-biosolids-trial-tests-breakthrough-sustainable-fertilizer-302629978.html (accessed Dec 5, 2025).
2. Colli, M. Croptober: The Challenges of Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Science and Technology, 2024, 7(5), 14-19. https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/croptober-the-challenges-of-outdoor-cannabis-cultivation