Peat has long been a primary component in container substrates due to its favorable physical and chemical properties. However, environmental concerns surrounding peat extraction have prompted increased interest in alternative materials. Hemp hurd fiber, a byproduct of industrial hemp production, is emerging as a potential candidate due to its availability and renewable nature.
The study assessed the growth and performance of a range of container-grown landscape plants in substrates where hemp hurd fiber partially replaced peat. Researchers examined plant growth, visual quality, and substrate characteristics to determine whether hemp fiber could maintain or improve production outcomes.
Results indicated that hemp hurd fiber can be successfully incorporated into container media, though performance varied depending on the proportion used and plant species evaluated. In several cases, plants grown in mixes containing hemp fiber performed comparably to those grown in traditional peat-based substrates. Physical properties such as aeration and water-holding capacity were influenced by the inclusion of hemp fiber, highlighting the importance of optimizing blend ratios for commercial use.
The findings suggest that hemp hurd fiber has strong potential as a sustainable substrate component, particularly as the horticulture industry seeks to reduce reliance on peat. Further refinement of substrate formulations and expanded testing across a broader range of crops will help determine best practices for large-scale adoption.
This research contributes to a growing body of work focused on sustainable growing media alternatives and supports ongoing efforts to balance horticultural productivity with environmental stewardship.
Jessica Lubell is Professor of Horticulture at the University of Connecticut. Her research on cannabis is focused on seed production, micropropagation and polyploid breeding for the development of improved germplasm. In addition, she is evaluating hemp hurd fiber as an alternative substrate for nursery crop production.
The work was conducted by Dr. Lubell, Dr. Mark Brand and a graduate student at the time, Carla Caballero Mejia. This research was supported by a USDA Northeast SARE grant (project # LNE23-477R). According to Dr. Lubell, “The work was motivated by our own research on cannabis and conversations with hemp growers about there being a lot of hurd byproducts from hemp fiber and flower production. We thought it may be useful as a substitute for peat during container production and it has shown great potential for a range of crops.”
The full article can be read on the ASHS HortScience electronic Journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI19072-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community – scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
