Innovative Hemp Biosolids Trial Paves Way for Sustainable Agriculture in the US

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is spearheading a groundbreaking field trial to explore the use of hemp biosolids as a sustainable fertilizer. This pioneering study, conducted in collaboration with Flura, Inc. and The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, aims to assess the environmental benefits of using Class A biosolids in the cultivation of industrial hemp for grain and fiber production

Under the leadership of Dr. D.K. Lee, a seasoned crop science expert with over 25 years of experience, the trial is meticulously designed to ensure scientific accuracy and credibility. The research is taking place on the university's crop science research fields in Champaign-Urbana, where trial plots are approximately 1/8-acre in size. The study compares the efficacy of Flura's proprietary hemp seeds grown with biosolids against those grown with standard urea fertilizer

Initial observations from the November 2025 harvest indicate that hemp plants nourished with biosolids exhibit greater height and thicker stalks compared to those grown with conventional fertilizers. This promising outcome suggests that biosolids could potentially enhance hemp's growth performance while contributing to soil health. "Our study is examining how biosolids can provide the nutrients needed to support robust fiber and grain production while improving soil health over time," stated Dr. Lee

The implications of this trial are significant for sustainable agriculture, as hemp's deep root system and rapid growth make it an ideal candidate for phytoremediation. This process allows the plant to absorb soil contaminants, potentially lowering input costs for farmers and improving long-term soil productivity. Jeffrey Yarosz, Founder of Flura, emphasized the trial's role in promoting environmentally responsible farming practices that could be adopted nationwide

Looking ahead, the trial will continue with another harvest and analysis slated for early 2026, followed by a replication of the study later that year. These efforts aim to validate the initial findings and support peer-reviewed publication, potentially setting a new standard for regenerative agriculture. "By converting biosolids into high-quality, EPA-approved fertilizer, we're helping farmers increase yields, build healthier soils, and demonstrate a scalable circular economy model," Yarosz added