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'''Separately collected, stored urine is a high quality, concentrated source of nutrients that can be applied as a liquid fertilizer in agriculture to replace all or some commercial chemical fertilizer.'''
The guidelines for safe urine use are based on storage time and temperature (please see WHO guidelines for specific requirements). However, it is generally accepted that if urine is stored for at least 1 month, it will be safe for agricultural application at the household level. If urine is used for crops that are eaten by those other than the urine producer, it should be stored for 6 months. Urine should not be applied to crops within one month before they are harvested.
From normal, healthy people, urine is virtually free of pathogens. Urine also contains the majority of nutrients that are excreted by the body. Urine varies depending on diet, gender, climate and water intake among other facts, but roughly 80% of nitrogen, 60% of potassium and 55% of phosphorus that is excreted from the body is excreted through urine.
Because of its high pH acidity and concentration, stored urine should not be applied directly to plants. Rather it can be used:
1) Mixed undiluted into soil before planting;
{{procontable | pro=
- Simple technique for all users. <br> - Low cost. <br> - Low risk of pathogen transmission. <br> - Reduces dependence on costly chemical fertilizers. <br> - May encourage income generation (tree planting.) | con=
- Urine Large volume compared to artificial fertilizer: urine is heavy and may be difficult to transport. <br> - Smell may be offensive <br> - Labour intensive. <br> - Health precautions needed when applying urine.
}}
==Health Aspects/Acceptance==
There is a minimal risk of infection, especially with extended storage. Still, urine should be handled carefully and should not be applied to crops less than one month before they are harvested. The risk of disease transmission through handling and using human urine are related mainly to faecal cross-contamination.
Social acceptance may be difficult. Stored urine has a strong smell and some may find it offensive to work with or be near. If urine is diluted, and/or immediately tilled into the earth, the smells can be reduced. The use of urine may be less accepted in urban or peri-urban areas where household gardens are close to houses than in rural areas, where houses and crop lands are separated.
