How to Ferment Urine into Odorless Fertilizer
If you want to learn about the experience of fermenting urine into odorless fertilizer, let's find out together below.
Urine is one of the metabolic products of humans, rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and is an excellent fertilizer. However, untreated urine can emit a pungent ammonia odor, which is harmful to humans. Therefore, how to ferment urine to achieve a fertilizer effect without odor is very important.
Nutritional Components of Urine
Urine is waste water produced by human metabolism, containing a large amount of nutrients. Especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the main elements essential for plant growth.
The nitrogen content in urine accounts for 2.5%-5.0% of its dry weight, while the content of phosphorus and potassium is 0.15%-0.25% and 0.30%-0.75% respectively. In addition, urine also contains trace elements and various organic substances such as glucose, amino acids, urea, and uric acid, which also have a certain effect on plant growth.
Why Urine Produces Odor
The main reason for the odor of urine is the release of ammonia gas. After urine is excreted, urea in it is quickly decomposed into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water. The pH of urine also affects the release of ammonia. Uric acid and acidic substances in urine can inhibit the decomposition of amino acids, thereby reducing the release of ammonia gas.
If urine is too alkaline, it will promote the decomposition of amino acids and accelerate the release of ammonia gas. Moreover, the organic substances in urine can decompose and produce a bad smell under the action of microorganisms.
Benefits of Urine Fermentation
After fermentation, urine can significantly reduce its odor and also increase the nutrient content and bioactivity in urine. During fermentation, microorganisms decompose organic substances and urea in urine, producing gases and liquids.
Some bacteria in the flora, such as lactic acid bacteria, acidophilic bacteria, and actinomycetes, have a strong effect on the conversion of nitrogen. They can convert ammonia gas in urine into compounds absorbable by plants, such as硝酸盐 (nitrates), chlorides, and sulfates, while decomposing other nutrients to make them easier for plants to absorb.
Methods of Urine Fermentation
There are many methods of urine fermentation, and the simplest is to use the composting method directly. Collect urine in a large container, mix it with other organic waste (such as straw, leaves, branches, etc.), cover it with plastic film or canvas, and let it ferment naturally for several weeks to obtain a mature organic fertilizer.
However, this method also has drawbacks, such as easily breeding臭虫 (stench bugs) and mold, requiring proper turning and ventilation, and paying attention to maintaining proper temperature and humidity. Additionally, if better results are needed, fermentation agents can be added.
Selection of Urine Fermentation Agents
Urine fermentation agents are mixtures containing a large amount of organic acids and salts, which can accelerate the decomposition and transformation of urine while slowing down the release of harmful gases. Common urine fermentation agents include the following:
1. Fermentation Waste: Such as kitchen waste, distiller's grains, peat, etc., which contain a large amount of organic substances and microorganisms, and can play a catalytic role in urine fermentation.
2. Organic Acids: Such as acetic acid, citric acid, etc., which can lower the pH of urine and inhibit the release of ammonia.
3. Construction Waste Softeners: There are many construction waste softeners on the market that can adjust the pH during fermentation and combine with other substances in urine to form organic compounds, enhancing the nutritional value of urine.
Precautions for Urine Fermentation
Urine fermentation is an easy-to-operate, low-cost, and efficient fertilizer preparation method, but some precautions should also be taken:
1. The filling amount should be appropriate: If it is too much, it will reduce the bioactivity and affect the fermentation effect; if it is too little, it can lead to excessive drying and poor oxygen circulation, also affecting the fermentation effect.
2. Animal waste should not be mixed with urine: This type of waste contains a large amount of protein and fat, which can easily cause bad odors and bacterial growth, while also affecting the fermentation effect.
3. The fermentation process should be well-ventilated and stirred continuously: This can increase the circulation of oxygen, beneficial for the growth and metabolism of microorganisms, promoting fermentation. Additionally, it can prevent the spread of bad odors.
Conclusion
Urine is an excellent fertilizer, but its odor has become a factor limiting its use. Fermenting urine can significantly reduce its odor while improving the nutritional value and bioactivity of the fertilizer.
There are various methods of urine fermentation, and it is necessary to choose suitable methods and fermentation agents based on actual conditions, and pay attention to the required temperature and humidity factors. Only in this way can high-quality fertilizers be prepared, which is also beneficial for environmental protection and resource conservation.
The specific introduction of how to ferment urine into odorless fertilizer introduced above for you, hoping to bring some knowledge to netizens.