Urine ammonia good for plants

Nitrogen is one of the main components for optimal growth and in agriculture, nitrogen-based fertilisers such as ammonium phosphate and nitrogen phosphorus potassium (NPK) are widely used.

The fact that human urine helps in speedy growth of plants has been proved by researches done by agricultural universities in many states. Every plant depends on nitrogen for its growth. Some plants can extract nitrogen themselves, while others cannot without nitrogen plants cannot survive.

When urine, as a natural fertiliser, is added to soil, free nitrogen or nitrogen oxides or compounds of nitrogen is formed through chemical reaction, which is used by plants either in nascent form or as a compound for better growth.

C. Srinivasulu, the former director of Garden and Green Belt, Osmania University, said, “When we are talking about biological by-products, specially urine that is rich in nitrogenous elements, odour would be the biggest concern, as all nitrogenous elements are known to have a strong smell.

We have to dilute the urine and then spray it. Smell is one thing that we cannot do away with, dilution is the only way. While bacteria might grow in the diluted urine, anti bacterial treatment needs to be incorporated before we used the urine, either raw or diluted... it is advisable to ensure other micro-organisms such as bacteria and protozoon are controlled.”

Talking about urine alternatives that do not smell, city-based landscaping expert Nitesh Shroff said, “The alternatives that can be used are vegetables. Leftovers of leafy vegetables should be cut into small sizes and buried in the agricultural land. It should be noted that many leafy vegetables are grown alongside nalas, it is thus advisable to clean fresh vegetables thrice under running water to ensure that no bacteria remains.”

Dr G.V. Ramanjaneyulu, executive director of Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, said, “Sources of phosphorous (soil is the major source) are dwindling, urine can be the best source as it is rich in both nitrogen and phosphorus. In Tamil Nadu, eco sanitation projects are underway; IIT-Delhi students are working on a project where an entire village’s urine is being collected and used in agriculture. Even in Karnataka, it is being done by a group called Eco Scan. If the collection system is proposed correctly, urine is the best free fertiliser.”

Keeping in mind the hygiene concerns, expert say that the medium of transportation should be cleaned properly. Dr S. Ramakrishna said, “For plants grown indoors and in gardens using human urine, the mud should be dealt with carefully. The use of gloves is a must, and the vessel used in carrying urine should be cleaned properly, leaving no chance for bacterial formation. Children should not be allowed to play with the mud.”

“Once collected, urine can either be stored or used immediately. The application can be done in a variety of spreading methods. The most basic application would be to use a watering can. One can dilute urine anywhere from 1:1 to 1:15 ratio with water, the most common being 1:5.

Take care to apply the urine directly to the soil, avoiding feeding the leaves and fruits. To aid in the absorption of the urine, it is suggested to dig up a small amount of soil and pour the urine there. Afterwards, push dirt back to cover the urine,” stated experts.