Sustainability

For More information on Hemp Sustainability visit The National Hemp Association

Fast Growth and Biomass Production

• Short Growing Cycle: Hemp matures in just 90-120 days.
  https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/crop-management/print,hemp-production.html
• High Biomass Yield: Hemp produces large volumes of biomass, ideal for covering the soil to prevent erosion.
  https://ipm.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/03/cover-crops-that-take-the-heat/
• Carbon Sequestration: Hemp absorbs significant amounts of CO₂, storing it in plant biomass, particularly in the stems and roots, which helps reduce greenhouse gasses.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9913960/
• Low or no use of pesticides: hemp is susceptible to few pests because of the lack of natural predators, which means that the use of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides can be avoided in most cases.
  https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/crop-productions-and-plant-based-products/hemp_en
• Grown without herbicides
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7571072/

Soil Structure Improvement

• Deep Root System: Hemp roots can grow over six feet deep, creating a network that aerates compacted soil, enhancing water infiltration and promoting microbial life.
  https://ncat.edu/caes/cooperative-extension/files/all-about-hemp.pdf
• Organic Matter Contribution: As hemp grows, it sheds plant material that decomposes in the soil, enriching it with organic matter and encouraging the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
  https://www.soil.works/blog/hemp-the-new-gateway-crop-for-regenerative-agriculture
• Reduction of Soil Erosion: Hemp’s rapid growth and dense foliage cover the soil, reducing erosion and preserving nutrient-rich topsoil.
  https://www.academia.edu/85326545/Industrial_Hemp_as_Carbon_Farming
• Nutrient Recycling: Hemp helps restore soil nutrient levels by recycling nutrients back into the soil through decomposing plant material.
  https://stroudcenter.org/news/hemp-fiber-soil-health-and-water-quality/

 
Tolerance to Poor Soil Conditions

• Drought Tolerance: Hemp’s deep root system allows it to access water in deeper soil layers, surviving in dry or semi-arid regions.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11396084/
• Natural Pest Resistance: Hemp is naturally resistant to pests, reducing the need for pesticides, which supports healthier soil ecosystems.
  https://nationalhempassociation.org/how-industrial-hemp-helps-remediate-soil-the-basic-facts/