In the vast landscape of sustainable materials, hemp has long been hailed as a champion, offering a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fibers. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, has shed light on a critical challenge facing the hemp industry: the impact of herbicides on fiber quality. Led by Sabreen Bashir from the School of Bioengineering and Biosciences at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, India, the research delves into how commonly used herbicides, glyphosate and metribuzin, affect the mechanical properties and morphology of hemp fibers.
The findings are both intriguing and concerning. Bashir and her team discovered that low concentrations of glyphosate reduced both cellulose and hemicellulose content in hemp fibers, while low concentrations of metribuzin slightly increased cellulose levels. However, high concentrations of either herbicide led to a significant decrease in these crucial components. This is a double-edged sword for the industry, as these compounds are essential for the fiber’s strength and durability.
Mechanical tests and X-Ray Diffraction analyses revealed that low-concentration glyphosate weakened the fiber’s tensile strength, while low-concentration metribuzin enhanced it. However, high concentrations of both herbicides decreased tensile strength, posing a significant challenge for textile manufacturers relying on hemp for its robustness. “The results were surprising,” Bashir noted. “We expected a more linear relationship between herbicide concentration and fiber degradation, but the data showed a complex interplay that varies with the type and concentration of the herbicide.”
The study also uncovered morphological changes in the fibers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that glyphosate caused surface disruption, while metribuzin induced more severe degradation, including surface erosion and bubbling at high concentrations. This structural damage could have profound implications for the textile industry, where the integrity of the fibers is paramount.
For the energy sector, which is increasingly exploring bio-based materials for insulation and other applications, these findings are particularly relevant. Hemp fibers are already used in bio-composites for energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy infrastructure. The potential degradation of these fibers due to herbicide exposure could compromise the performance and longevity of these materials, impacting the sector’s sustainability goals.
The research underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to herbicide use in hemp cultivation. As Bashir pointed out, “The findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of herbicide use in hemp cultivation for textile production. It’s not just about yield; it’s about the quality and sustainability of the fibers.” The study published in the Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, also known as the Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, serves as a wake-up call for the industry to re-evaluate its practices and explore alternative methods of pest and weed control that do not compromise the integrity of the hemp fibers.
As the demand for sustainable materials continues to grow, so does the need for research that informs best practices in cultivation and processing. This study is a significant step in that direction, providing valuable insights that could shape future developments in the field. For the hemp industry, the path forward lies in balancing productivity with sustainability, ensuring that the fibers remain strong, durable, and environmentally friendly.
