Researchers Launch U.S. Trials Testing Biosolid Fertilizers on Hemp

A team of crop science researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has launched the first U.S.-based study of biosolids as a fertilizer for industrial hemp. Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic material resulting from wastewater treatment from homes, businesses, and even industrial sources.

The researchers are partnering with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and Flura, Inc., a hemp genetics and technology firm working to develop soil restoration strategies and enhance hemp crop productivity, to help conduct the study. The trial will assess the potential benefits of biosolid fertilizer for hemp crops, including improvements in fiber yield, soil health, and environmental impact.

The team conducted its first hemp harvest and analysis last month on 1/8-acre plots, using proprietary Flura hemp seeds and Class A biosolids, with a standard urea fertilizer as a control for the experiment. The team’s initial observations indicated that “hemp grown with biosolids appears taller with thicker stalks compared to control plots,” according to a press release. The researchers will replant in 2026 to validate the results and support future publication.

“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,” Dr. D.K. Lee, who heads the plant breeding and genetics program at the University of Illinois, said in a press release. “Our study is examining how biosolids can provide the nutrients needed to support robust fiber and grain production while improving soil health over time.”

Jeffrey Yarosz, the founder of Flura, said the trial is exploring “innovative ways to use Class A biosolids to support sustainable agriculture.”

“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 U.S. can follow.” — Yarosz, in a statement