Project Summary

Based on pioneering research done by the University of Agricultural Sciences, (UAS) Bangalore, it was established that human urine can be productively utilised in agriculture and can produce on par yields with chemical fertilizers. Resource substitution of the petroleum based and energy and water intensive artificial fertilizers is possible. With a view to continue these studies and to understand the long term impact of the application of human urine on soil and crops, the recovery of nutrients from human waste streams, Arghyam is supporting  this research for the institutionalization of urine application research and  research on closing of nutrient loop using humanure. The key objectives of Phase II are:

1. The continuation of the research work on human urine as a liquid fertilizer, followed by   (a) experiments in farmer’s fields at H.D. Kote taluk and (b) conduct field experiments to study the effect of bio char enriched with urine on soil properties, growth and yield of crops.
2. Arghyam‘s NGO partner, MYKAPS will work in H.D. Kote and   Kamasamudram to ensure use of urine from Ecosan Toilets through drip/surface irrigation.
3. Demonstration on growing 3 or 4 vegetables crops using human urine applied through drip system under green house conditions at GKVK
4. Developing protocol on use of composted humanure to localize and contextualize handling, transportation, composting and application of humanure.
5. Conducting workshops on preparation of Jeevamrutha and panchagavya using humanure and its use for growing crops organically
6. Developing communication workshops on preparation of Jeevamrutha and panchagavya using humanure and its use for growing crops organically.
7. Arranging a workshop for Arghyam partners, other agriculture universities for dissemination of technology.
8. Developing advocacy plan and help UAS advocate the research.