Human Urine as Fertilizer: A New Approach to Sustainable Agriculture

The world of agriculture has been evolving over the centuries, with farmers constantly seeking new and innovative ways to improve crop yields and reduce their environmental footprint. One such approach that has gained significant attention in recent times is the practice of using human urine as fertilizer, a process commonly referred to as “pee-cycling.” This unconventional yet promising method of returning precious nutrients and minerals to the soil has been gaining traction in various parts of the world, including the United States and several European countries.

In the quaint town of Brattleboro, Vermont, Lissa Schneckenburger, a local resident, has been practicing pee-cycling in her garden for quite some time. The results, she claims, have been nothing short of impressive. Her tomatoes seem particularly content, and the bees are drawn to the vibrant blooms. But what’s her secret? “When we tell people about it, they’re mostly confused,” Schneckenburger admits. “They’re just like, ‘What? Why? What?'”

Enter Kim Nace, co-founder of the Rich Earth Institute, an organization dedicated to developing ways to turn human urine into fertilizer. Nace, who has been fielding numerous pee jokes on a daily basis, explains, “People are usually a little taken aback, but then I just kinda give ’em the real quick pitch – there’s nutrients in your urine, and we are figuring out how to capture those and use ’em in agriculture.”

So, what exactly is in urine that plants need? “Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace minerals that come through our body as we eat our food and then use the toilet,” Nace elaborates. The Rich Earth Institute collects approximately 12,000 gallons of urine annually, and they deal with the constant barrage of pee-related humor on a regular basis.

But their endeavor is a serious one. Researchers around the world are studying urine recycling in countries such as Sweden, Switzerland, France, and South Africa. The Rich Earth Institute also offers educational webinars to spread awareness about this innovative practice.

Schneckenburger, who uses a special composting toilet, shares that the process is surprisingly clean and odorless. “That it is clean, that it doesn’t look gross, and it doesn’t smell. And the privacy thing, too. That was a surprise to me. It’s totally quiet.” The composting toilet, which is built with two compartments – one for liquid waste and one for solid – is emptied twice a year by the Rich Earth team.

For those without a special toilet, the Rich Earth Institute offers a low-tech, portable urinal suitable for both men and women. They make it easy for donors to deliver their liquid waste to a downtown depot, requiring no pouring.

Community tool librarian Kevin O’Brien has been bringing his urine to the depot for three years. His goal is to donate 100 gallons a year, and he receives a lovely “Piss-Off” certificate from Rich Earth in return.

Urine is typically free of harmful bacteria, but it must be pasteurized to federal standards if it comes into contact with solid waste to prevent the risk of disease. The Rich Earth Institute pasteurizes all collected urine to ensure its safety and efficacy.

Arthur Davis, who oversees the entire collection and distribution process, transfers the clean urine from huge storage tanks to his truck’s containers. He acknowledges the challenges of dealing with the psychological aspects of the process, as people have various thoughts and reactions to the idea of using human urine as fertilizer.

Noah Hoskins, owner of the Bunker Farm in Putney, Vermont, is a true believer in the power of pee-cycling. His grazing fields, he claims, are thirsty for the nutrients that human urine provides. “If you are taking nutrients out of the ground, you need to be replenishing those nutrients in some form or another,” Hoskins asserts.

While pee-cycling is still in the research and development phase, Abe Noe-Hays, co-founder of the Rich Earth Institute, envisions a bright future for this innovative practice. “We’re not asking people to do something that’s difficult,” he says. “You just use the toilet. That thing you just did, that was great! You made something useful and you made something that’s going to do good in the world!”

For more information, visit the Rich Earth Institute website or contact them directly.

In: Agriculture
First published on January 14, 2024 / 10:17 AM EST

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