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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 acidity and concentration, stored urine should not be applied directly to plants. Rather it can be used:
3) Diluted several times and used frequently (twice weekly) poured around plants.
To calculate the application rate, one can assume that 1m<sup>2</sup> of cropland can receive the urine from 1 person per day (1 to 1.5L), per crop harvested (e.g. 400 m<sup>2</sup> of cropland per year can be fertilized). A 3:1 mix of water and urine is an effective dilution for vegetables, applied twice weekly, although the amount depends on the soil and the type of vegetables. During the rainy season, urine can also be applied directly into small holes near plants, where it will be diluted naturally.
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- 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.
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==Adequacy==
==ReferencesAcknowledgements=={{:Acknowledgements Sanitation}}
* Austin, A. and Duncker, L. (2002). Urine-diversion. Ecological Sanitation Systems in South Africa. CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa.
