Sustainable Fertilizer Productions
Flura, Inc. Developed a U.S. Field Trial for Fertilizer
Debra John — December 3, 2025
A new U.S. field trial is underway to understand how "Class A biosolids—nutrient-rich, EPA-approved recycled materials—can be used as an eco-friendly fertilizer for growing industrial hemp."
Led by Dr. D.K. Lee and crop science researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and Flura, Inc., the study aims to show how recycled fertilizers can support more sustainable farming practices.
The research focuses on how biosolids may help reduce environmental impact while improving crop performance. Key environmental benefits under evaluation include healthier soil, increased carbon storage through root growth, and the potential for hemp plants to absorb and reduce certain environmental contaminants. By comparing biosolid fertilizer with traditional options, the trial seeks to determine whether using recycled nutrients can boost fiber yield, enrich soil quality, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural model for future hemp production.
