In the burgeoning world of hemp cultivation, a new study is shedding light on the plant’s root systems and their potential implications for carbon markets and energy sectors. The research, led by Rebecca K. McGrail from the University of Kentucky’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, explores the differences in root system architecture and allometric relationships between monoecious and dioecious hemp cultivars.
Hemp cultivation in the United States has seen a resurgence following its legalization in the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the industry faces numerous challenges, including stand establishment and understanding the ecosystem services hemp can provide. McGrail’s study, published in the journal “Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment,” aims to address these gaps by quantifying root system architecture and developing predictive equations for carbon capture potential.
The study focused on two monoecious cultivars, Fibror 79 and Futura 75/83, and two dioecious cultivars, New West Genetics 2730 and Yuma. Plants were excavated at early senescence, and various traits were measured, including plant height, stem basal diameter, aboveground biomass, and root biomass. The research found that basal diameter was a strong predictor of both aboveground and belowground biomass, with female and monoecious root systems being twice as large as male root systems in mass and surface area.
“This study provides a foundation for understanding the carbon capture potential of different hemp cultivars,” McGrail said. “By developing predictive equations, we can better quantify the growth and carbon sequestration capabilities of hemp, which is crucial for the energy sector and carbon markets.”
The findings have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in the context of carbon neutrality and negative carbon emissions. Hemp has been touted as a potential carbon-negative crop, but until now, there has been limited research on its root systems, which are the primary pathway for carbon into the soil. This study offers a step towards filling that knowledge gap.
Moreover, the research highlights the importance of cultivar selection in hemp cultivation. The differences in root system architecture between monoecious and dioecious cultivars suggest that breeders and growers may need to consider these factors when selecting cultivars for specific purposes, such as carbon sequestration or soil health improvement.
As the hemp industry continues to grow, research like McGrail’s will be instrumental in shaping best practices and maximizing the crop’s potential benefits. The study’s predictive equations could be particularly valuable for farmers and energy companies looking to invest in hemp for carbon capture and other ecosystem services.
In the broader context, this research underscores the need for more studies on hemp’s root systems and their role in carbon sequestration. As the world grapples with climate change, understanding and harnessing the carbon capture potential of crops like hemp could be a game-changer for the energy sector and beyond.