Minnesota Explores Hemp as a Sustainable Solution for Erosion Control

Minnesota has been experiencing difficulties finding the appropriate materials to minimize erosion in the building industry. Thus, they recently explored hemp as a sustainable alternative for erosion control.

(Photo : Rise/ISOHemp )

Exploring Hempcrete in Construction

Minnesota spends over $30 million annually on erosion control materials for its state highways and construction items. Some of these products are polymers that do not biodegrade completely. However, the government is currently exploring the potential of hemp as a biodegradable and environmentally sustainable substitute.

As mentioned, hemp is most commonly connected with cannabis, its sister plant. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of potential applications, and more and more companies looking for environmentally friendly materials to work with are beginning to look toward it; with the help of hemp, a carbon-negative biocomposite material known as Hempcrete has been produced. This material can be utilized in the building industry. Insulation, clothing, and other applications are also possible with this material. Currently, the cost of using hemp for erosion control in Minnesota is the primary barrier that stands in the way.

Moreover, weed producers in the United States do not have the equipment necessary to separate the byproduct, even though hemp stalks, which are a byproduct, would be part of the plant that would be used and potentially be very inexpensive. As stated, AURI has been awarded a $200,000 grant for the project, which is currently in its eighth month and will continue for three years. During this time, Gordon intends to test various hemp samples and methods that can transform those samples into usable material.

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Negative Effect of Erosion

Erosion, defined as the movement of soil caused by wind and water, is the most common issue that property owners have to deal with nowadays. It is also a significant contributor to the deterioration of water quality.

By shielding the land from the water and the water from the land, the buffer zone prevents erosion from coming about. In the process of upland erosion, water flows over land, resulting in the formation of channels or gullies. Because of the channels, sediment can move more quickly through the water and into the lake. The removal of upland trees, shrubs, and undergrowth, as well as the compaction of soil, each contribute to an increase in the severity of the problem of highland erosion. When exposed to natural conditions, vegetation can take in and store water, delay water flow, and allow it to penetrate the soil.

Accordingly, this issue affects people worldwide. The rate at which soil is being eroded is faster than the rate at which it is being generated, making land unfit for agricultural use. This is a particularly serious worry in a world where the population is predicted to surpass 9 billion by the middle of the century. Therefore, a more intelligent approach to land management is required.

Erosion directly impacts the lake's ecosystem. Because sedimentation causes the water to become cloudy, it becomes more difficult for plants to produce oxygen through photosynthesis and for fish to consume food, which in turn impacts other organisms in the food chain. Nutrients and other pollutants conveyed in runoff deteriorate water quality.

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