Human Urine Fertiliser Project Targets Forest Establishment
Festival Urine Could Help Grow a New Forest
Human Urine Fertiliser Project Targets Forest Establishment
A nutrient recycling initiative is exploring the use of human urine as an organic fertiliser to support afforestation and soil regeneration.
UK-based start-up is collecting urine from portable sanitation systems at large-scale events and processing it into a nitrogen-rich fertiliser. The product is already being applied to restore pasture by improving grass regrowth on heavily used fields.
In a new trial supported by the , the fertiliser will be used to establish thousands of indigenous tree seedlings in , contributing to woodland development and long-term soil fertility.
The initiative responds to rising fertiliser costs linked to global geopolitical pressures, including the conflict, which has disrupted input supply chains for farmers.
Researchers from the have demonstrated that treated urine contains essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a viable alternative to synthetic fertilisers. Field trials indicate comparable crop and pasture performance, with the added benefit of reducing pressure on wastewater systems and lowering chemical input use.
The odourless fertiliser has already shown positive results in both crop production and land rehabilitation, highlighting its potential role in sustainable agriculture and circular nutrient management.
