Human Urine Could Be Used as Eco-friendly Crop Fertilizer: Study

Sep 24, 2024

Bacterial communities in soil are as resilient to human urine as synthetic fertilizers—making recycling the bodily fluid as a fertilizer for agricultural crops a viable proposition, according to a new study.

Scientists discovered that, even when applied in high doses, one-year stored urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities and produced minimal change in soil pH and salinity.

However, the researchers did discover that urine fertilization increased the relative amounts of nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizer—implying that more nitrogen oxides could be emitted when fertilizing with urine.

Publishing their findings in Applied Soil Ecology, the team of researchers from University of Birmingham and L'Institut Agro Montpellier, France, call for further studies on the long-term effects of urine fertilization—particularly regarding nitrogen oxide production and soil salinity.

Co-author Manon Rumeau, from the University of Birmingham, commented, "Our research highlights the potential of recycling human urine to enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Stored urine can be safely applied to a plant-soil system without negatively impacting the soil microbiome."

Fresh urine is composed of 95 % water with the remaining 5% made up of amino compounds, such as urea or creatinine, organic anions and inorganic salts, making it a source of bioavailable nutrients and micronutrients for plant growth.

There has been great interest in re-using human urine as a crop fertilizer, but—until the publication of this study—more understanding was required on how urine can affect soil functions and microbial communities.

Scientists fertilized a spinach crop with two different doses of a source-separated and stored human urine—comparing these with a synthetic fertilizer treatment and a water treatment without fertilization, conducted across four soil tanks in greenhouse conditions.

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Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.