By Umar Nsubuga
Evanice Manyiraho, an experienced herbal farmer from Kicwamba in Kabarole district, has embraced an innovative and sustainable approach to farming by using human and animal urine as a natural fertiliser.
With a focus on reducing costs and promoting eco-friendly practices, she shares how this nutrient-rich resource can be transformed into effective fertilisers for improved crop growth.
By tapping into the readily available nitrogen and essential minerals in urine, Manyiraho’s method helps farmers enhance soil fertility while minimising the use of chemical fertilisers, contributing to both environmental conservation and higher yields.
Human and animal urine, a natural byproduct
Gideon Zakke, an agronomist says urine, whether human or animal, is a natural byproduct rich in essential nutrients for plant growth, particularly nitrogen, which is vital for leafy plant development.
Human urine contains around 95% water and 5% solid waste, most of which is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium the same key components found in many synthetic fertilisers, he explains.
He adds that animal urine, especially from herbivores like cows and goats, also provides high nitrogen content, making it an excellent option for farmers looking for organic fertilisation.
Manyiraho highlights the economic benefit of using urine in farming, especially for smallholder farmers.
- Since urine is freely available and easily accessible, it serves as a cost-effective alternative to expensive synthetic fertilisers, helping farmers save money while maintaining crop yields.
- Using this waste product also contributes to a more sustainable and circular farming system.
- By using urine as a fertiliser, farmers reduce their dependence on chemical inputs, which can leach into water systems and harm the environment.
Manyiraho emphasises that urine-based fertilisers not only minimise pollution but also enhance soil health by promoting the activity of beneficial microorganisms. This natural approach to farming supports biodiversity and long-term soil fertility.
How to use urine as fertiliser
Zakke advises that urine should not be used directly on plants due to its high nitrogen content, which can burn the plants. Instead, it should be diluted with water at a ratio of approximately 1:10 (one part urine to 10 parts water). This dilution makes the nutrient levels suitable for plants without overwhelming them.
“Urine-based fertiliser is most effective when applied to the soil during the early stages of plant growth, especially when plants are developing their leaves,” he says adding that It can also be applied as a foliar spray in diluted form, which allows plants to absorb nutrients through their leaves.
Manyiraho suggests applying the fertiliser in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sunlight, which can reduce nutrient absorption.
She adds that urine can also be added to compost piles to accelerate decomposition. It acts as an excellent activator by providing nitrogen, which feeds the microbes responsible for breaking down organic matter.
The resulting compost is rich in nutrients and can be used to improve soil fertility.
Manyiraho often combines animal urine with plant material in her composting process to enhance its nutritional content.
How to make urine-based fertilisers
Manyiraho explains how to create different types of urine-based fertilisers.
- Collect urine in a container and allow it to age for a few days. Dilute it with water at a 1:10 ratio and apply it to the soil around plants. This simple solution provides a nitrogen boost to the crops.
- Mixing urine with wood ash increases its phosphorus and potassium content, making it a balanced fertiliser. The ash adds extra minerals, while the nitrogen in urine promotes plant growth. The mixture should sit for a few days before being diluted and applied to plants.
- Urine can be poured over a compost pile made of kitchen scraps, leaves, and other organic material. The nitrogen in the urine accelerates the decomposition process, resulting in nutrient-rich compost that can be spread on gardens and fields.
Why this matters
Manyiraho believes that utilising human and animal urine as fertilizer is not only cost-effective but also promotes environmental sustainability.
She adds that It reduces waste, enriches soil, and contributes to healthier crops without the need for harmful chemicals. For farmers looking to maximize yields while minimising costs, urine-based fertilisers present an innovative and eco-friendly solution.
Manyiraho’s holistic approach to farming offers valuable insights into the power of nature’s resources.
