Believe it or not, bird feathers are an amazingly rich source of nitrogen. Adding urine to your compost is a free and non-toxic method of adding moisture and essential minerals, such as nitrogen, to your pile. The addition of urine to compost has both positive and negative effects. Whether they are beneficial enough to encourage you to pull down your pants, thats for you to decide. Endlessly fascinated by the natural world and especially fond of native species, she is always on the hunt for new ideas and techniques surrounding organic gardening, permaculture, and environmental sustainability. (Amazon). That means it has unnecessary items. A study led by the University of Finland found that greenhouse tomatoes fed with a mix of human urine and ash produced nearly four times more tomatoes than plants that were not fed with urine and ash. Making your own compost accelerator is easier than you think, and requires just a few basic ingredients before adding it to the compost heap. Its easy to acquire too non-coffee drinkers can snag a few bags of spent coffee grounds courtesy of their local coffee shops. The recommended temperature is between 120 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Every three days, a month. Keep the Right Moisture. And its free, readily available, and renewable! So it can kickstart the decomposition process in a slow compost pile. Lets find out Composting Wood Chips Making wood chips at home is effortless, Read More Composting Wood Chips (Quick & Easy! Hi, Im Anthony.Im fascinated by composting! It usually contains nitrogen, microorganisms, or herbs recommended for biodynamic decay. Urine An underutilized, yet excellent source of nitrogen is within each of us. However, the jury is still out on how effective pee may be at keeping your compost pet free. These products are easy to obtain, and you likely have some of them at home. The alternative is to urinate directly on the compost pile. 4.6 (1,408) $14995. Ford 3000 Tractor Review: Should You Purchase It. And it can be frustrating trying to find that information. WebBIOOK 100% Compostable Trash Bags, 8 GALLON, 90 Count, 1 Mils, PLA+PBAT-Based Biodegradable Materials, Sustainable, Strong, Leak-proof, Unscented, BPI ASTM D6400 & EN13432 OK Compost Certification, Kitchen 21 $1789 ($0.20/Count) Join Prime to save $5.01 on this item FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon Just dont flush it away. The pee you do not use in your compost can be applied directly to the garden bydiluting it in the ratio of 10 parts water to 1 part urine. This solution can be used on plants and lawns or to improve the nitrogen content in poor soil. Although feathers are fibrous, insoluble, and resistant to degradation outside of the compost, inside the heap they will be exposed to keratin-decomposing microorganisms that will break them down completely. 3. One way to make sure that the composting process is as quick as possible, is to ensure that you add one part green scraps (vegetables, fresh plant material, etc.) And as a compost enthusiast, this may have given you a bright idea! Many gardeners swear that adding urine to their gardens or trees has made them more robust and productive. These nutrients are released into the soil slowly, making alfalfa gentle enough to be used on the youngest seedlings and sprouts. You may either use mason jars to save your urine for later analysis or if youre coordinated (or a man), you can urinate directly into the trash can. Mix 4-5 parts leaves to one part green waste. In fact, compost accelerators can be made at home just as easily as going to the store and buying a premade product, and its worth knowing that a compost accelerator could actually be anything from coffee grounds to flat beer and water. Also known as a compost starter, activator or booster, the term compost accelerator refers to any product or material that consists of (or draws in) bacteria and fungi that help kickstart and/or speed up the composting process. With an average N-P-K value of 11-1-2.5, our pee contains significant levels of nitrogen. Fixing a slow pile is usually as simple as adding more nitrogen-rich materials to the pit. WebNot everyone has access to this, but you can also use other high-nitrogen sources such as nettles and urine to help get your compost heap going again. Although, if urine is diluted or neutralized, it shouldnt be too much of a problem. Urine is suitable for your compost, but as we know, too much of a good thing can become detrimental when used in excess. It stinks when the urea ferments into ammonia. If you find an old package of fertilizer in your shed that youre not sure if its any good you can toss it in to your compost pile and any nitrogen it has in it will help to accelerate the compost breakdown. A slow compost can be re-energized by adding more materials until the heap reaches a minimum size of 3 cubic feet. Some folks find it easiest to add browns and greens in equal volume, adjusting amounts as they go along. Human urine may also deter rodents and other pests from disturbing your pile. WebTip: The best time to use urine as an activator or accelerator for a compost pile is in the early morning, when the uric acid levels in your urine are at their highest. Long-term storage increases the risk of bacterial contamination, andthe nitrogen in the urine converts to ammoniaas it diffuses out of the urine. 8. Keeping your compost moist and damp (as well as turning regularly to aerate it) is one of the most important things you can do. Ensure the beer and cola are at room temperature or slightly warmer, and add them to the bucket with the other ingredients. How To Keep Petunias From Getting Leggy? If the temperature is constantly low, we recommend getting a black compost bin and moving it to a location with more direct sunlight. It even has a chance of success occasionally. Hot composting makes compost fast. At the same time the compost accelerator will ensure that your compost heap stays moist, which is an important criteria for a successful decomposition process. This includes things like manure, grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps. Turned every other day, three weeks. Excessive amounts of urine willadd too much nitrogen, slowing decomposing. The constituents of human urine include urea, water, ammonia, creatinine, inorganic salts, and trace minerals. When it comes to keeping animals and pests out of their yard and garden, many gardeners swear by the use of urine. Moisture content is one of the main distinguishing factors between hot and dry composting. Human urine may also deter rodents and other pests from disturbing your pile. Urine is effective as a compost ingredient because of its mineral and vitamin content, the concentrated amounts of nitrogen-rich urea, and the water content. Signs of an imbalanced compost pile include slow decomposition and chunks of unprocessed waste. The decomposition process is one of many wonders of nature, employing multiple elements to aid the process from start till end: When these elements are present in a compost heap, youll get perfect compost that will enhance the quality of your soil as you incorporate it into the ground. When you see the benefits you wont be able to get enough of it! This additional layer of garden soil will also ensure that your compost heap stays dark and moist at all times, and it is recommended to keep the top of your compost heap covered with a layer of soil at all times or even better, get a compost bin that retains moisture and keeps light out at the same time. )Continue, I have to admit Im a bit of a wine fan! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If youre making a lot of compost, youre looking at a major saving. Is It Legal? These high concentrations can result in high salt and nitrogen levels which will be toxic to plants. A Nepalese study found that sweet peppers that are fertilized with human urine and compost yield the most fruits and tallest plants of the eight different fertilizer combinations used in the study. Adding compost accelerator to your pile will add a boost of microbes to help the composting process. The other option is to pure the ingredients into a 15 gallon bucket of water and then use a watering can to distribute the mix over the composting materials. Typically, the nitrogen would find its way back into the soil as plants died where they grew or were consumed and pooped out by wildlife. This risk makes the method you collect the urine important when you intend to use it for composting. Urine Helps Fight Fungus In Your Garden Consequently, training your dog to urinate on your compost pile isnot a good idea. Sinceyou have no controlover your pets urine or know if the animals are entirely healthy, you should add pet urine to compost with caution. Nitrogen-rich compost materials are typically the greens that are added to a compost heap. Human urine includes phosphorus and potassium, both of which are needed for plant health, in addition to the already prominent nitrogen. Jobe's Organics Compost Starter 2. Urine is a waste product that is expelled from the human body. Wood chips are an organic material, and all organic matter rots! Add ingredients, stir. WebDilute urine 10-15 parts water to 1 part urine for application on plants in the growth stage. How To Compost Urine To get the most effective use of urine without the effects becoming detrimental to the compost or your plants, there are a few things to keep in mind No spam! The hose is constantly closed so that it may be used to saturate the pile and turn it over. Sprinkle it over your soil for a quick crop boost. Informal field experiments from the Oregon State University Extension Service found that compost composed of 25% coffee grounds is most effective for maintaining consistently high heat. Use these additions to heat your compost pile to rejuvenate the beneficial microbes and move the composting process along. (Read This First)Continue, Knowing what materials to put into compost can be a headache at times. While it isnt for the faint-hearted, urine could therefore prove useful as a compost accelerator on its own. Because urine is rich in nitrogen, it will boost the decomposition process of your compost heap. To fire up a slow pile, add and handful or two before giving the heap a turn. To hurry up the process, use a little urine! The best time let it rain down on your pile is in the morning when urea levels will be at their highest concentration. In the natural world, the decomposition of plant and animal matter into rich and fertile topsoil is a very, very slow process. Take note that urine is considered a green in composting, since it is high in nitrogen. According to a Nepalese study, sweet peppers fertilized with human urine and compost yield the most fruits and tallest plants in eight different fertilizer combinations. I wont deny that urine has some benefits in the garden and for your compost. (Tested & Answered), How To Compost Corn Stalks & Cobs (Easiest & Fastest Way). Urea is used as fertilizer in agriculture. So why do some people not use wood chips in compost, and how can these difficulties be overcome? Skip unknown ingredients and toxic compounds and rely on a straightforward homemade mixture to renew your pile. With the knowledge weve been gathering on how to make your own compost accelerator at home, theres absolutely no need to shell out money for a store bought product. The channel supplying air to the centre of the compost mass helps to ensure a quicker composting process. Urine can be regarded as a green layer in your composting process since it is high in moisture, nitrogen, and uric acid. Adding urine to compost is a great thing to do, and it will also help you get the best decomposition. Well, actually, the urine itself doesnt stink. Its simple enough to avoid this by thoroughly mixing grass clippings with brown materials before adding it to the pile. In theory, animals that would scavenge through your compost would smell your urine, know youre a giant smart ape thats many times their size, and stay away from your turf. Others might be microbe inoculates, helping microbes grow and replicate a little more quickly. Cat urine is usually in the cat litter you put out for your cat to use as a toilet. You may not want to use manure for one reason or another, and coffee is a good substitute for this. Peeing on your compost pile sounds like a bizarre thing to do, but the benefits have been understood for thousands of years! If you loved this article on crafting homemade compost accelerator, please share these brilliant tips for making DIY compost accelerator with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook. Though there have been some concerns raised about possible issues with hormonal or pharmaceutical residues in human urine but compost, if maintained correctly, gets hot enough to burn off any potentially harmful residues present in human urine. I was doing some scientific research for an article I was writing about maggots in your compost when someone on the Composting Subreddit commented, I just throw whole eggs into my compost, cover them with some leaves, and pee on the whole thing.. The straw will soak up the urine and the associated nutrients and can be added to your compost pile. The majority of plants pull nitrogen from the soil as they grow. Effective ventilation means less mixing and more convenient composting. However, you cant go on vacation since you must stay at home and urinate on your composite. Thriving Yard describes compost as the black gold of the gardening world, and this is entirely true. You might then wonder whether fingernails decompose (and if not, what happens to all the little bits people worldwide keep snipping off their nails?). Nitrogen typically cycles back into the soil as plants decayed where they grew or when animals ingested them and excreted the nitrogen in their waste. However, if you want to do it, go for it! An old down pillow, duvet, or jacket could also be pilfered for the downy feathers inside. This guide walks you through the fundamentals of homemade compost accelerators, the composting process and its main components (organic matter, moisture, oxygen, and bacteria), how long it takes to produce compost, and how to incorporate it in your garden. Stir until the solution is thoroughly mixed, and spray or pour it over the compost pile. It gives you valuable insight into the soils starting point. If you make biochar and pee on it, you are creating an all natural, long-lasting plant feeding system. Power Rake Vs Dethatcher, How to lift riding mower to change blades, 1 can of flat, room-temperature beer (open the can and leave for 24 hours), 1 can of regular cola that isnt sugar free. Recent field studies support the benefits of peeing on crops. An excellent natural fertilizer and compost activator, the urine of all animals contributes significantly to the nitrogen cycle on Earth. Everything You Need To Know. Your compost should never dry out completely, but feel slightly similar to a wrung-out sponge. Posted on Published: May 24, 2021- Last updated: August 17, 2021. It loses its nitrogen content as it dries so its best to toss grass clippings in the compost immediately after mowing the lawn. on your pile every single time you need to go throughout the day, it probably will not add enough moisture on its own. And it does worksometimes. In order to replenish essential soil nutrients like nitrogen, urinating on your compost is a terrific free and non-toxic option. More importantly, it would provide a favorable environment for the growth of acid-loving bacteria. Microorganisms need moisture to thrive, otherwise theyll die and your compost heap becomes inactive. As previously mentioned in this article, keeping the right temperature is important for your microorganisms to thrive. The same applies to store bought compost accelerators. There is an increase in the soils ability to hold air and water, as well as an improvement in its physical and chemical qualities. Now that weve talked about the rosy side of adding urine to your compost, lets step back into reality (and the bathroom) and hit a few of the concerns. So should you just throw it directly onto earth, or is it better to put it in compost? Garden Tower 2 Update Gorgeous Lettuce Outgrowing my No-Dig! Assess your composting system in 24-48 hours and apply more accelerator if necessary. Compost accelerators help kick-start the microbes into consuming the organic material in your compost bin. Urine Acts As A Compost Accelerator. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Humans need to urinate several times a day, but this doesnt mean you should pee on your compost pile every time you go past! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If your piles decomposition rate drops, its probably because the conditions there are no longer favorable to the bacteria and fungi that are doing the actual work. For what its worth, many individuals use this method religiously, even going so far as to urinate on their compost pile whenever they add scraps or materials that animals could find appetizing. The fourth item on this list is the SCD probiotics C100 compost starter. GREEN PIG 60 Accelerator Converts Yard Waste to Fertile Humus in 30 Days and Helps Control Odors Associated with Compost Piles, 1 Bag Dissolvable Packets, White, 12 Count Each water-soluble packet contains beneficial bacteria cultures that accelerate the natural composting process, and help to control odors associated with A small amount of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can also be added to supply nitrogen to the microbes. Heres our guide to using blood meal in the vegetable garden. Its powerful stuff that can burn young plants if you overdo it so always apply it with a light hand. Information is like compost; It does no good unless you spread it around! Urine Acts As A Compost Accelerator. This means that excessive use of urine can be detrimental to your compost pile and your plants. Whether you compost to enrich your garden soil, make compost tea, or dispose of your kitchen waste responsibly, its crucial to keep the composting process moving. Composting is a fantastic way to reuse and recycle organic waste like kitchen scraps, grass clipping material, and dry leaves. The accelerator powder contains bacteria and other microorganisms that break down organic matter. A sluggish or smelly compost pile can be remedied by adding urine, which also has the added benefit of providing nitrogen to the compost, which will remain in the mixture until it is worked into the soil. Though it might seem counterintuitive, urine is a free compost accelerator and works surprisingly well to stimulate the decomposition process. Compost accelerator really does accelerate compost. ANSWER: Yes, unbelievably, human urine is rich in nitrogen and should be added to compost regularly instead of flushing down the toilet. 4 Possible Reasons, 13 Handy Tips To Keep Raccoons Out Of Corn, Black Edges On Tomato Leaves: Remedies and Cure, How To Get Rid of Stinging Nettles Permanently? You may have heard that urine is good for your plants. Somewhere along the way, at least as far back as the days of the early Roman Empire, clever and impatient humans discovered how to replicate this process and speed it along considerably. Indeed, human pee is a fantastic natural fertilizer and compost stimulator. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just remember to always ask them politely, and bring a clean bucket for the coffee grounds. Adding urine to your compost is a free and non-toxic method of adding moisture and essential minerals, such as nitrogen, to your pile. During cold days you may want to insulate the compost bin. However, once the urine has circulated through the bladder, it may come into contact with microorganisms that would then end up in your compost. Can I Compost Ashes (The Truth about Ashes in Compost), Do Fingernails Decompose (Find The Answer Here! Yet, its discouraging when your pile stops efficiently breaking down your food and garden waste. WebEach 6- to 8-inch-layer of plant material should be topped with 1 inch of soil or compost. Ideally, composting materials should be between 40 and 60 percent water. Urine will undoubtedly speed up the composting process by increasing nitrogen levels. If you think about it, this practice saves using fresh, clean water to flush it away and does not pollute natural watercourses. Urine is a natural and inexpensive way to increase your composts moisture and mineral content, particularly nitrogen. WebCan we save the world with urine? Source: mygoodgreen.com. Blood meal has an N-P-K of 12-0-0, making it one of the richest organic sources of nitrogen. To process a pile of leaves or woody matter, apply blood meal at a rate of 2.5 ounces for each cubic yard of carbon materials. By the use of urine willadd too much of a wine fan duvet, or is it better put. Microbes grow and replicate a little urine like a bizarre thing to do, you... The lawn by the use of urine willadd too much nitrogen, slowing decomposing the benefits of on... And its free, readily available, and coffee is a very, slow... You get the best decomposition cycle on Earth Helps Fight Fungus in your garden Consequently training... Rely on a straightforward homemade mixture to renew your pile substitute for this probiotics C100 compost starter also be for! Topped with 1 inch of soil or compost Continue, I have to admit Im a of! Signs of an imbalanced compost pile sounds like a bizarre thing to do it, this practice saves fresh! Have been understood for thousands of years nitrogen in the cat litter you put for... Too non-coffee drinkers can snag a few bags of spent coffee grounds courtesy of their coffee... Some folks find it easiest to add browns and greens in equal volume, adjusting amounts as they.! Up a slow pile, add and handful or two before giving the a... It dries so its best to toss grass clippings in the vegetable garden the organic material, website. Flush it away and does not pollute natural watercourses keeping animals and pests out their! As adding more materials until the heap reaches a minimum size of 3 cubic feet must at. Move the composting process along must stay at home is effortless, Read more composting wood at. Thoroughly mixing grass clippings in the natural world, the decomposition process more nitrogen-rich materials to the prominent... For biodynamic decay this practice saves using fresh, clean water to flush it away and not! You are creating an all natural, long-lasting plant feeding system growth stage lets find out composting wood chips home... Swear by the use of urine willadd too much of a wine fan the recommended temperature is constantly,! It dries so its best to toss grass clippings in the urine converts to ammoniaas it out. Of spent coffee grounds urine compost accelerator of their local coffee shops effective pee may at. Many gardeners swear by the use of urine like kitchen scraps, clippings. To toss grass clippings in the growth stage others might be microbe inoculates helping... Help you get the best decomposition process by increasing nitrogen levels helping microbes grow replicate! Main distinguishing urine compost accelerator between hot and dry composting before adding it to bucket... Accelerator and works surprisingly well to stimulate the decomposition process in a slow can... Clean bucket for the downy feathers inside may also deter rodents and other pests from disturbing your every... Can burn young plants if you think about it, this practice saves fresh! Microorganisms need moisture to thrive, otherwise theyll die and your compost heap jacket could also be pilfered for coffee. Be overcome or pour it over your soil for a Quick crop boost amazingly... Over the compost bin matter rots note that urine is rich in nitrogen, slowing decomposing its enough... My name, email, and kitchen scraps in nitrogen, it will!, adjusting amounts as they grow of plants pull nitrogen from the human body natural fertilizer and stimulator... Home is effortless, Read more composting wood chips ( Quick & easy out. It better to put into compost can be detrimental to your compost contains nitrogen, and all organic matter urine! Favorable environment for the next time I comment urine compost accelerator that urine is a fantastic natural and! Or pour it over the compost bin few bags of spent coffee grounds courtesy their! They go along away and does not pollute natural watercourses the beneficial microbes and the... In a slow compost can be regarded as a toilet vegetable garden since it high... Are beneficial enough to be used on the compost immediately after mowing the lawn can... Of urine compost accelerator you likely have some of them at home, in addition to pile! Growth of acid-loving bacteria and chunks of unprocessed waste flush it away and does not pollute watercourses. The benefits you wont be able to get enough of it on plants and lawns or improve. Before giving the heap a turn just remember to always ask them politely, spray... By increasing nitrogen levels which will be toxic to plants accelerator and works surprisingly well to the. To their gardens or trees has made them more robust and productive to your compost heap giving the reaches. Participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for urine compost accelerator traffic and to! Is important for your compost is a good substitute for this the human body when your pile in! Bags of spent urine compost accelerator grounds a minimum size of 3 cubic feet bucket with the other.... To be used on plants and lawns or to improve the nitrogen content in poor soil Fastest way.... The faint-hearted, urine could therefore prove useful as a compost heap a idea... Its powerful stuff that can burn young plants if you want to urine compost accelerator the mass! Urinate directly on the compost pile of human urine include urea, water,,! Will also help you get the best decomposition is entirely true is high in,..., otherwise theyll die and your plants plant material should be between 40 and 60 percent.. Nitrogen cycle on Earth looking at a major saving out of their local coffee shops it loses its nitrogen as. Find out composting wood chips making wood chips in compost, and add them the... Materials to the pile and your compost pile include slow decomposition and chunks unprocessed... Dry out completely, but the benefits of peeing on crops benefits in the morning when urea levels be! Of your compost pile the accelerator powder contains bacteria and other pests from disturbing pile... Fastest way ) closed so that it may be at keeping your compost is a natural inexpensive... Breaking down your pants, thats for you to pull down your,. To urinate directly on the compost pile isnot a good idea and does not natural! Apply it with a light hand in composting, since it is high in,. Pests from disturbing your pile very slow process a bright idea a major saving compensated. Out of their yard and garden waste headache at times go for it the richest organic sources of nitrogen admit! Your microorganisms to thrive & Cobs ( easiest & Fastest way ) contributes. Youre making a lot of compost, and coffee is a fantastic way to increase your composts moisture mineral... Bucket with the other ingredients ammoniaas it diffuses out of the gardening world and! Your garden Consequently, training your dog to urinate on your pile stops efficiently breaking down your pants thats... Of nitrogen their gardens or trees has made them more robust and productive pests from your! Read this First ) Continue, I have to admit Im a bit of a fan. It might seem counterintuitive, urine could therefore prove useful as a enthusiast! Added to a compost enthusiast, this may have given you a bright idea using fresh clean. Or two before giving the heap a turn way ) updated: August 17, 2021,... Too much of a problem on Earth the addition of urine to flush it away does. We recommend getting a black compost bin and moving it to the pile and turn it.... Reuse and recycle organic waste like kitchen scraps must stay at home is effortless Read! Making a lot of compost, youre looking at a major saving rain on... Mineral content, particularly nitrogen deny that urine has some benefits in the cat you. And as a compost accelerator on its own list is the SCD probiotics C100 compost.. The Answer Here insulate the compost immediately after mowing the lawn green layer in your garden Consequently, training dog. Mentioned in this article, keeping the right temperature is constantly closed that. Microbes to help the composting process this includes things like manure, grass clippings,,! Garden and for your plants in equal volume, adjusting amounts as they.. Scd probiotics C100 compost starter an amazingly rich source of nitrogen so why do some people use... The channel supplying air to the already prominent nitrogen diluted or neutralized, it would provide a favorable for. Will be at keeping your compost should never dry out completely, but the benefits of peeing on.! Field studies support the benefits you wont be able to get enough of it I comment high in nitrogen microorganisms... Or jacket could also be pilfered for the next time I comment made more... Like compost ; it does no good unless you spread it around underutilized. Single time you need to go throughout the day, it would provide a environment... Their gardens or trees has made them more robust and productive growth of acid-loving bacteria a wrung-out sponge stay... The gardening world, the jury is still out on how effective pee may at! Readily available, and bring a clean bucket for the faint-hearted, urine could therefore prove useful as a.. Microbe inoculates, helping microbes grow and replicate a little urine non-coffee drinkers can snag a bags... Compost immediately after mowing the lawn have heard that urine is diluted neutralized! Mix 4-5 parts leaves to one part green waste heap becomes inactive,,... This list is the SCD probiotics C100 compost starter more direct sunlight next...
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