Human Urine as natural fertilizer!

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According to recent studies by scientists, it has been confirmed that Urine is very safe and effective fertilizer for most of our favorite vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, beet, cabbage etc. Urine contains a ration of 10:1:4 of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) including a good amount of trace elements needed by plants to blossom. The good news is that (home steaders take note) this rich fertilizer source is free and a family of 4 or 5 can produce up to 100 pounds of rich fertilizer for the garden every year!.

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For Dr. Mercola, 

Farmers who are looking for natural option to fertilize their plants may need to look no further than human urine that is naturally rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus which is also found in commercial fertilizers. Although the use of urine as fertilizers is unpopular, it has been in use as fertilizer since ancient times and recent research suggests it is wise to bring back this ancient tradition.

Is using Urine as Fertilizer safe?

Human urine is very safe as fertilizer (unless there is evidence of serious infection) as its sterile as such it has very low chance of transmitting disease on the household level. 

Urine plus Ash

To ensure it benefits all our plants, add some ash to urine. Urine is high in Nitrogen which makes it perfect for seedlings and leafy crops but low in potassium as such does not benefit root crops, fruits and flowers. However, by adding ash (with N-P-K ratio of aprox 0:1:3 plus high level of calcium) to urine, we can make up for that. Researchers in Finland discovered that adding wood ashes to urine used as fertilizer for tomato crops lead to sweeter fruit and 4times improvement of the size of the fruit. Also for beet root, the size increased significantly when wood ash was added. 

Precaution!

Be aware that Urine contains a high level of salt which can build up in soil in garden beds or containers during dry climatic conditions causing harm to crops. Damage caused by salt can show up as stunted growth, scorched looking leaves and wilting, even when soil is moist. Sometimes a whitist crust on the soil surface may be visible. To avoid such issues related to salt buildup, endeavor to water your crop generously at least once every week.

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Ways to use your urine on your garden.

This depends on your preferred plumbing arrangement and the level of privacy in your garden. One may choose to deliver their garden gold to the soil directly. However, the concentration of nutrients may be too high in most cases which can lead to damage of soil microorganisms as a result burning your plants. If you want to do direct application, it is ok but in moderation for piles of compost. 

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Alternatively, it is best to gather the raw urine in a container with a cover either using a "nuns cap" (for ladies) or funnel. However, one should find the best option suitable to collect their urine. After collection, once daily, empty the collected urine into a watering can, dilute with water (5 to 10 parts) then sprinkle the mixture of urine and water onto your soil around your crops. Ensure as much as possible you do not get the mixture on the plants themselves especially those parts to be eaten.

It is best to apply the mixture of diluted urine to the soil only when the soil is at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil microbes at that temperature will be active and ready to absorb all the nitrogen and other nutrients. During winter or cold weather, you can store your liquid garden gold in tightly closed containers or if no space, flush them as usual down the toilet. Be aware that storing Urine in closed containers for some weeks can be good to kill off any potential pathogens if the person has health issues.

Interestingly, in Europe, which is where most of the research on using urine as fertilizers has taken place, you can buy a standard looking toilet which has a urine diversion bowl making the entire collection process very easy. In some cities, a service can be contracted to come and empty the tank and deliver your accumulated urine periodically to a very appreciative farmer.

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Conclusion: In this article, it is clear to us that our very own urine can be a good source of natural fertilizers rich in N-P-K better than those found in chemical fertilizers. However, adding Ash from burnt wood and not coal please can be an added advantage to ensure all plants benefits. Best to dilute the urine with water to avoid exposing our soil to high level of salts from Urine which may be harmful to the soil and plant and do not use this option during cold seasons.

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Source link:

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/28/human-urine-fertilizer.aspx

https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/how-use-your-pee-planet