The reuse of human urine For use as fertilizer in agriculture and gardening, it is something that is done more and more. Although formerly it was already used as fertilizer or fertilizer, today the great innovations in ecology help us to be able to use it more effectively and with great results. In addition, the use of urine as a fertilizer allows us to save fertilizers in the gardens and the cultivation fields.
In this ecology article, we will review several curious initiatives based on the use of Urine as an ecological fertilizer for agriculture and gardening.
Urine is an organic, cheap and effective fertilizer
Actually, the thing has no mystery. Since Urine is an organic wastecan be used as Organic fertilizer. However, there are buts. On the one hand, it is true that it contains nutrients that are useful for plants, especially nitrogen and uric or potassium, magnesium and calcium acid, among others.
However, in turn, it contains remains of medicines. In fact, the composition of the urine varies depending on many other factors, such as diet, possible diseases or the type of water we eat and, as regards microbes, it has less than saliva or feces.
In addition, if it is stored, the pH increases and minimize the pathogens. So, can we use it as which, and thus obtain a cheap and effective fertilizer? Although if it comes from a healthy person it is usable, because it has no virus or bacteria and is biodegradable, it is better to know how to do it.
What does science say about urine as an ecological fertilizer
Indeed, the Use of urine as plant fertilizer It is a practice to which Peros do not put themselves, except when contaminated in its collection or storage, let’s put. Currently, for example, studies seek to determine if there are certain remains of medicines that can end up reaching food and, therefore, enter the food chain.
Apart from these aspects, since it is considered a pass sureeven the World Health Organization has guidelines for use in agriculture and proliferate experiments and projects not only in urban orchards or private gardens, but also in intensive crops and public gardens.
Of course, with respect to the latter, the Citizen contribution carried out through public urinals. In Amsterdam they have it clear: their mayor’s office has proposed to collect the urine of its inhabitants to pay gardens and agricultural lands.
The use of large amounts of urine from many people precise from special treatment. In general, it is stored at high temperatures for several months to generate ammonia, with the increase in the pH we alluded to. This is how pathogens are reducedand the results can be very satisfactory.
A group of Vermont environmentalists, in the United States, carried out a project with the Rich Earth Institute for use in hay crops that belonged to a farm. With the urine of more than 170 volunteers, tanks were filled and underwent this type of treatment. The objective was to take advantage of the whole nitrogen and phosphorus that we get from food to return them back to the field, avoiding spending large sums of money on synthetic fertilizers.
At the same time, of course, an eco -manure is done that is well worth it, then Urine is used as fertilizer And it does not contribute to gray waters, another source of pollution and disorders in ecosystems. In fact, being very high in phosphorus and nitrogen, urine is very polluting if we have not been discussed as we commented.
Among other negative effects of unrelated urine excess, for example in gray waters, we emphasize that they grow algae in rivers, unbalancing ecosystems terrible. An environmental problem that is avoided, and an agricultural benefit that is achieved. In this project, finally, a significant increase in productivity was observed.
Tips on how to use urine as an ecological fertilizer
If we want Use human urine in the garden or gardenthe most common recommendations refer to their dosage. In addition to monitoring that they come from people healthyit is important to do it only at home.
We will incorporate it to the ground, by irrigation. Let’s avoid spraying, because the particles will remain in the air and will be unpleasant, in addition to missing part of the nitrogen. In turn, better dilute it, a fifth in adult plants and a tenth for seedlings or seeds.
Apart from fertilizing, it can be used as a fungicide and for accelerate he composting. Of course, before launching it would be advisable to document on the subject by resorting to simple manuals and guides that guide the different assumptions.
In any case, if things are done well, its microbiological risk is very low, we can produce good quantities, although a technological equipment is required for conservation. A good resource for small farmers and, of course, for a most sustainable agriculture.
Let us keep in mind that ideally should pasteurize if we want to use it in agricultural crops and also remember that the best time to apply is a month Before harvesting, as recommended by WHO.
If you want to read more articles similar to Urine as an ecological fertilizer for agriculture and gardeningwe recommend that you enter our recycling and waste management category.
