Effect of human urine application on cabbage production and soil characteristics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of human urine on soil quality and salinity through repeated applications, and compare it with the effects of synthetic fertilizer and non-fertilized treatments. Six different fertilizer mixtures were applied to pots of head cabbage: 100% tap water, 100% urine, 1:1 urine and tap water, 1:2 urine and tap water, 1:3 urine and tap water, and synthetic fertilizer. The study design was completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications of pot-based experiments. The growth and yield parameters of producing head cabbage (Brassica oleracea) among treatments were compared. Soil residual test of the optimum treatment was also conducted for the optimum treatment to examine the effect on its characteristics. The optimum yield was obtained from the application of 1:3 of urine and water, and comparable to the synthetic fertilizer (F ¼ 21.78; p ¼ 0.964). The difference in the electrical conductivity of soil was statistically significant (F ¼ 2.324; p ¼ 0.049) after three rounds of applications which should be considered during urine fertilizer utilization. Generally, urine contains nutrients, which can substitute synthetic fertilizer, at a dilution factor of three. However, education should be delivered to enhance public acceptance and to create awareness on urine collection, storage and application for sustainable utilization.