In light of the Climate Emergency we are living in, let’s take a look at the benefits of growing hemp. (I am not an expert on this topic and corrections/additions would be greatly appreciated.)
Certain plants and other organisms have been known to clean up toxic soil and groundwater. This is known as bioremediation and is an affordable and ecological method of remediation compared to chemical and mechanical processes.
When discussing how hemp and other plants clean toxins from the earth, it’s called phytoremediation.
Phytoremediation is the intentional use of plants for removal of contaminants in soils, sludges, sediments, surface water and groundwater.
Hemp is an ideal choice for phytoremediation because it is fast growing, has deep roots and is unaffected by the toxins it accumulates from the soil and air.
Cadmium, one of the major pollutants in soil, has been shown to be eliminated by simply growing hemp.
Certain types of hemp have been studied and recommended for phytoremediation of cadmium, a heavy metal we need to remove.
With thousands of contaminated sites in the US alone, hemp can prove an efficient and eco-friendly way to clean up our mess industrial mess.
And, while hemp is cleaning the soil, it can act as a carbon sink, to reduce greenhouse gases.
Once the phytoremediation hemp is grown, it should not be used for food or medicine, but can safely be converted into fuel.
For more information check out this article below.
https://nationalhempassociation.org/3-benefits-of-industrial-hemp-for-the-environment