Aged human urine is a pungent pesticide as well as a fertiliser

Matured Urine Shows Promise as Dual-Action Agricultural Solution

Sun-exposed human urine, aged for a minimum of one month, is emerging as a potential dual-purpose agricultural tool, functioning as both an effective plant nutrient and a natural pest deterrent. These findings suggest a valuable strategy for managing crop health, particularly in regions facing challenges with unproductive soils and costly conventional pesticides. This innovative approach could offer significant advantages for sustainable farming practices.

Urine’s Unexpected Pesticide Properties

Initial observations of urine’s dual functionality arose during a previous agricultural study in Niger. Farmers involved in trials investigating the effectiveness of urine as a soil enrichment agent noticed an unanticipated outcome: crops treated with matured urine displayed significantly less damage from pests compared to untreated plants. This unexpected discovery highlighted the potential of matured urine not only to nourish crops but also to protect them from insect infestations.

Implications for West African Agriculture

The dual benefits of matured urine as a fertiliser and a pesticide could be particularly transformative for West African agriculture. In this region, farmers often contend with depleted soil fertility and the high expense associated with purchasing synthetic pesticides. Utilising readily available human urine offers a low-cost, environmentally sound alternative for enhancing crop yields and safeguarding harvests from damaging insects. This approach could empower local communities and bolster food security through sustainable and accessible agricultural methods.