Farmers Use Pee to Grow Food

In rural Vermont, an innovative program is turning human urine into a valuable resource for farmers. The Urine Nutrient Reclamation Program, run by the Rich Earth Institute, collects urine from local residents and transforms it into fertilizer for crops.

The process involves pasteurizing the urine by heating it to 80°C for 90 seconds. Once treated, the urine is sprayed on farmland to nourish crops. This method has shown remarkable results, with some vegetables like kale and spinach yielding twice as much compared to unfertilized crops.

Using urine as fertilizer isn't just beneficial for crop growth; it's also environmentally friendly. It reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which require significant energy to produce and can harm waterways. Additionally, the program conserves water by preventing thousands of toilet flushes. While some people might find the idea unusual, many participants are enthusiastic about this sustainable approach to farming and waste management.