I knew about the nitrogen part but didnt know about the ammonia. These are in powder form, and are dropped into the bottle twenty-four hours before use. I have increased my composting during this severe California drought. Sometimes, even the best-maintained compost system gets out of balance. Needing a compost catalyst to make things break down is usually an indicator that there is something more seriously wrong with your pile. And because Im an avid composter, I often look at things around me differently. So it can kickstart the decomposition process in a slow compost pile. Urine, in combination with compost, can help you in growing heavy feeder vegetables like cucumber, pepper, cabbage, and tomatoes, organically. In composting, however, I feel like you should have a thorough understanding of what is going on, and that includes understanding what were going to include in our compost starter recipe and why. I have taken to peeing directly onto these areas. Synthetic urea has come to occupy the largest space in chemical fertilizers. Human excrements are rich in nitrogen (urine) and organic matter (faeces). After all, not all plants can grow under conifer trees, so it made, Read More Composting Pine Needles A Beginners GuideContinue, If, like myself, you compost a lot of your kitchen waste, you inevitably ask yourself whether you can compost dairy products like cheese, cream, or even milk. All rights reserved. For example, Im forever asking myself, can I compost that? So, of course, that question naturally applies to, Read More Is Cork Compostable? Using a compost accelerator is not all that difficult. The average NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) value of our urine is 11-1-2.5; it has considerable amounts of nitrogen. For example, pre-soaking paper and cardboard with urine is one of the best ways to use these two composting ingredients. Perfect, lets do this. These nutrients are released into the soil slowly, making alfalfa gentle enough to be used on the youngest seedlings and sprouts. Take note that urine is considered a "green" in composting, since it is high in nitrogen. Urine is not something to be flushed away like a problem. The bacteria and fungi in the compost need moisture to work effectively and a dry heap will stop breaking down. Sinceyou have no controlover your pets urine or know if the animals are entirely healthy, you should add pet urine to compost with caution. It is a free and natural way to nourish your garden and can help you get more blooms on your flowers or better crops. A compost accelerator is the general term used to describe an activator agent that either starts the composting process or accelerates the process when it's already started. They have a Urination Station, out in the middle of the garden. The urine will mostly be contained in the straw used to line their cages and can be used with the same principle as using the pee bales for humans. Maybe I better watch how often I water the garden. Beer is added in the hopes of putting two things into your pile: yeast and sugar. The more frequently you turn the pile, the faster itll cook. Human Urine for Compost, Start to Finish OrganicGarden123 8.28K subscribers 297K views 13 years ago Urine adds Nitrogen and Water to your compost. I am excited about this opportunity as my compost bin is just not breaking down. While the exact ingredients differ, there are five main parts of any compost catalyst: The entire purpose of a catalyst is to create an environment that fosters an explosion of beneficial growth. Try adding urine if your compost bin is slow to break down your compost material. A simple and rapidsoil testing kit like this oneis all you need. Compost heaps should be kept moist but not soggy. Keeping your compost pile the right level of moist is really important. Pee is great for speeding up the ol compost bin. In addition to a leaf composting solution, these additions are ideal for your compost heap. Add ingredients, stir. Its powerful stuff that can burn young plants if you overdo it so always apply it with a light hand. Composting was always important in the places he worked at and each had bays to produce their own compost in-house for use around the gardens. I also sometimes add veggie cooking water, whey from making Kiefer, The liquid that comes from making tofu, and some kombucha that got to sour. Thanks for writing about the benefits of urine. This article makes me think further and for that I thank you! Thanks Amber, I will pass the message onto our IT support. Urine can be regarded as a green layer in your composting process since it is high in moisture, nitrogen, and uric acid. However, tea bags are another story. Composted coffee grounds boosted the growth and yield of beets, cabbages, and soybeans in one experiment, while in another it hindered the development of alfalfa, clover, and Chinese mustard. Now that we are on the same page as to ingredients and aims, lets look at our specific recipe and method for a homemade compost accelerator: *Bonus Step If you want to create the most beneficial microbial community possible, aerate your catalyst using a fish tank pump. And its free, readily available, and renewable! Making quality compost takes a long time (see just how long it will take you) and it will probably take you several weeks before you notice any significant changes. Signs of an imbalanced compost pile include slow decomposition and chunks of unprocessed waste. What is ash made of? The beneficial bacteria in your compost heap process organic material by performing aerobic respiration. Uric acid levels are said to be the highest in the morning, so that's the best time to rain down on the compost pile. And as a compost enthusiast, this may have given you a bright idea! Ensure the beer and cola are at room temperature or slightly warmer, and add them to the bucket with the other ingredients. Urine Compost Accelerator. Blood meal has an N-P-K of 12-0-0, making it one of the richest organic sources of nitrogen. If it does not ooze water, or have a crumbly texture you should be on the right track. MOST FRUSTRATING! Another benefit of using urine is it helps keep the compost heap moist. Some folks find it easiest to add browns and greens in equal volume, adjusting amounts as they go along. Please spread the information. However, pee is a waste product and a method our bodies use to eliminate excess salts and other wastes, including heavy metals. 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. These high concentrations can result in high salt and nitrogen levels which will be toxic to plants. BA1 1UA. After all All food is organic and ends up rotting Right? Of course, our healthy bodies produce a cleaner, organic version, and its of such high quality we have to dilute it in order not to burn our plants. Dilute urine 10-15 parts water to 1 part urine for application on plants in the growth stage. It is an outhouse with a urinal and a composting toilet. Here is their website: https://www.kailashecovillage.org/, Brilliant. The amount of urine added to the compost would be too much. What is a compost accelerator? Thanks!!! How do I use my urine? Dog poop needs to be treated very carefully when it comes to composting the pathogens it contains means that extra precautions need to be taken. When urine is diluted, its aces for helping the garden thrive; however, in its pure form, the stuff is just far too potent for little plants to deal with. There is no need to dilute the urine for the compost pile simply add it in its original form. Early morning urine is the most pungent, and male urine has specific hormones that help with the repelling. In fact, it can be used in many different ways for boosting production. However, if your compost already has . Freshly cut grass clippings added to the compost heap will turn a sluggish pile into a hot mess in no time. (The Ideal Solution)Continue. Tip: If you live near a farm, used straw animal bedding has precisely the same valuable combination. One is to add urine directly to straw until it decomposes and then mix that into your compost heap. Ill leave those recommendations to the professionals. Theres something for every system, from a microbial inoculant to introduce new microbes to your compost bin to supportive nitrogen and carbon mixtures to jump-start the microbes you already have. Compost activators, also known as compost accelerators, help to speed up the decomposition process. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Urine, too, is a great compost stimulator. 1. Bath The microorganisms within your compost require nitrogen to build proteins. Though it might seem counterintuitive, urine is a free compost accelerator and works surprisingly well to stimulate the decomposition process. As mentioned, feces contain pathogens that you dont want in your compost pile. If the rain does not come every couple of days I water (dilute) it with regular garden watering. Urine is very high in nitrogen, so much so that it should be diluted a minimum ratio of 1:10 with water before being used on plants. While there are many reasons that your compost is not breaking down, here are the basics: So, yes, make and use a DIY compost starter! On the other hand, scientific inquiries into incorporating coffee grounds into garden soil as a fertilizer, or mulch, or in the compost have had mixed results. But is floss biodegradable? Adding pee to a compost piletoo frequently will result in a build-up of saltsin the compost, which can lead to a toxic environment for the microbes doing the decomposing, slowing, or stopping the composting process. Another popular method for composting with urine is creating a pee bale, which is used for a while and then added to the compost. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Obviously, the first step is to search for an accelerator that contains millions of bacteria in a dry form. Either directly or collect it in a container. Keep turning it frequently in the coming days to prevent the grass from clumping together. Strategy #5 Whats Shaping Your Grocery Shopping Habits? However, following the guidelines above, its a great way to add nitrogen and trace minerals to your compost. It loses its nitrogen content as it dries so its best to toss grass clippings in the compost immediately after mowing the lawn. Is Human Urine Beneficial For Compost? These products are easy to obtain, and you likely have some of them at home. Adding blood meal to compost that already contains some greens will take a bit more guesswork as you dont want to throw your C:N ratios out of whack. Lindsay Sheehan is a writer, researcher, and lifelong gardener who loves little more than the thrill of nurturing living things from dormant seed. As urine is so rich in nitrogen, you must ensure that you add even more brown material to counteract it. Human urine is sterile when it leaves the body and safe to add to compost. This is similar to adding greens, kitchen scraps, and lawn clippings to the compost pilebut in a higher concentration. Anything above 30% increases the risk those coffee dregs could end up harming the microbes and earthworms working the pile. Human urine is beneficial as part of a composting system as it has a high nitrogen content along with containing potassium and phosphorus. To lower it, add animal urine (sold at many garden stores) or other nitrogen-rich substances. Despite simple and effective ways of making composting toilets, humanure does still bring about some controversy with those who are worried about pathogens. The N stands for nitrogen, the P for potassium, and the K for phosphorus. Although human urine is composed of more than 90% water, the rest is made up of organic solids, primarily urea. Commercial boosters are less budget-friendly and variable in quality. A compost accelerator will introduce dormant microbes in a significantly large number to speed up that initial process. Indeed, human pee is a fantastic natural fertilizer and compost stimulator. People who have been gardening for a long time are aware that peeing in the compost is one of the best things to do. Roebic Bacterial Compost Accelerator at Amazon | $14.78 It costs nothing, and you will reduce the water you use in your garden and use less chemicals as a result. The addition of nitrogen drives the decomposition of the brown or carbon elements in the compost pile. 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. Too much nitrogen and the pile will start to stink; too much carbon and decomposition will slow down dramatically. Ive used straight urine on corn and bamboo without any adverse effects. So remember to mix sufficient amounts of carbon-rich matter like dry leaves, straw, sawdust or paper if you're going to use urine in your compost. Similarly, legend has itand this widely disputedthat urine can be and has been used to help with curing human fungal problems, like athletes foot. So many home composts are not strong enough when it comes to plant-fertilizing power, and adding urine is a fantastic way to boost plant nutrients without having to pee directly on your garden, and to capture your personal nutrients during the season the plants aren't actively needing nutrients,' adds Alexia. Regular aeration will also keep the clippings better distributed throughout the pile. The simplest way is to urinate straight on the heap itself, though this may obviously be easier and more preferential for some rather than others. Human urine, and that of your pets, can be added to the compost pile. I pee in an old Clorox bleach plastic container. Aim for at least a 2:1 carbon-to-grass clippings ratio. If you are new to composting, it might take a while to know exactly what you are looking for but with some practice and experience it will come! I am not seeing the issues that you have raised, so that we can look into this could you please email through a screen shot of the issue you are seeing and let us know what device and browser you are using. personally I have made every effort to avoid water bowls connected to our oceans for the last 25 yrs and quite proud of the amount of water I have not used for that purpose!!! Thank You. I JUST DID THIS LAST MONTH. Blood meal is also the perfect foil for a lethargic compost pile. Remember that you probably don't need a compost accelerator in the first place and if you do, you do have the option of making your own. One of my neighbours said people traditionally peed on lemon trees. More of his work can be found at. An old down pillow, duvet, or jacket could also be pilfered for the downy feathers inside. Luckily, this process can be sped up with the introduction of different substances. I like their transparency and that they use a 100% bio-organic mix. With all of that said, urine is a completely different excretion, one that really doesnt need to set off the same alarm bells. 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. (Why Its A Cut Above The Rest), Can You Compost Tea Bags? Urea is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture. Add your newly created compost started to your compost pile or tumbler (youll obviously need to adjust the amount you add based on the volume of your compost). You can add these fallen leaves to your compostso long as you have not left the leaves on the ground too long. (Amazon). Very nice article! Hi, Im Anthony.Im fascinated by composting! Of course, if done without regard to the weather forecast, a rain could dilute it, and the plan might backfire and encourage the weeds to grow. The only time it tends not to be is if a person has a urinary tract infection, while some medications can also be present in trace amounts so caution should be taken. Urine can be used in compost because it is high in nitrogen and other micronutrients beneficial to your plants. Too much nitrogen-rich green material will see your compost heap emit a smell of ammonia. The ideal ratio of browns to greens is 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. I also throw used toilet paper into a bag. A by-product of the slaughterhouse, animal blood is collected and dried into a powdery form. Making compost at home is a cheap and simple way to boost your soil and give your precious plants all the nutrients they need to grow big and healthy. Useful Tips To Make Your Everyday Life Just A Bit Better. Urine can be collected in a spray bottle and diluted, and that solution can be applied directly to plants that are being eaten. While this is a great thing for fuelling the microbes and heating it up, grass consumes a lot of oxygen as it breaks down. Suppose you rake up the fallen leaves in your garden. While humans will urinate several times a day, it is not necessary to add it all to the compost heap too much is not always a good thing. Also, metabolites of some medications can be found in your urine if you are on any meds you may need to do a bit of further research! At its gardens at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire they introduced straw pee bales that male workers could relieve themselves on (outside of the public opening hours) that were then added to the gardens compost heaps. Some recommend watered-down urine diluted with 10 parts water as a great feed for plants in container gardens, while others claim you can put urine on mulches like leaf mulch or wood chip to speed up their decomposition. Tip: 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. Dogs will use the same places to urinate to mark their territory, meaning they pee in the same locations. This blog is about sharing everything that Ive learned in the hopes that it will help others discover the amazing rewards of composting More about me Legal Information: Help Me Compost is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. 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. Alfalfa meal can be used proactively to heat a pile by sprinkling it between brown and green layers. Plus, its a great excuse to have another beer. Peecycling is simply another aspect of this, that is the term is given to recycling human urine and using it to help feed plants and crops. This is why a spot that gets peed on repeatedly, as the ground beneath a fire hydrant, will often turn yellow and die. Find out more about hydrated white lime. Urine, too, is a great compost stimulator. And if there was yeast, it would be of little value. Its actually an amazing commodity for those willing to take advantage of it. The more people that do this, the better. Here are the top 4 methods that will help accelerate the process. However, this practice should be done with care to prevent contamination by pathogens or creating too much nitrogen content in the composting process. There are a few different ways to put urine in a compost heap and how you choose to do it may come down to personal preferences and the location of your compost heap. Affiliate Disclaimer: Tipsbulletin.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, A homemade compost accelerator usually works by supporting these microbes as they hasten the decomposition process or by correcting an imbalance in your piles carbon to nitrogen ratio, whether you are. Male horticulture staff members have access to "pee bales" that are provided by the National Trust in England in strategic public . When the season is over, alfalfa plants can be pulled, chopped up, and added back to the soil as a green manure. Being free and readily available, whats not to like?! Compost takes time but, if you brew your accelerator and fix whats wrong with your pile, the results with come! Urine is high in nitrogen, as well as potassium and phosphorus (thats NPK), while ashes fill in missing trace elements, such as calcium and magnesium. Wait the requisite 24 to 48 hours and if the pile hasnt gotten hot, toss in another cup. Is Play Doh biodegradable? Compost can be ready in as quick as four to six months if it gets hot enough. The high nitrogen content boosts the action of the decomposition by microbes. Its typically used in the garden as an early season fertilizer that promotes explosive leafy growth. Whether grown fresh in the garden or purchased as alfalfa meal, its a wonderful all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K of roughly 3-1-2. To raise the pH of your compost, add lime. Just remember to always ask them politely, and bring a clean bucket for the coffee grounds. I am pleased & proud that social constraints do not affect my ability to make the most of such a valuable resource. There is no exact amount of urine that you can add it depends largely on your pile and what is in it. Also soil that has been manured with human (AND animal, of coursr) excrement helps to take out the bad carbon emissions in the air. This is, generally, the basis for compost activators/accelerators. And, yet another option is to soak something, perhaps a cotton ball or a bit of the old pee bale, and put that around the garden. Though it might seem counterintuitive, urine is a free compost accelerator and works surprisingly well to stimulate the decomposition process. Peeing on your compost pile helps break it down! Not only is it rich in nitrogen, but it can also speed up the composting process there are two big positives that it offers. I compost that heat a pile by sprinkling it between brown and green layers promotes explosive leafy growth jacket! I like their transparency and that solution can be applied directly to straw until it decomposes and then mix into! You likely have some of them at home help you get more blooms on your.! Right track about pathogens risk those coffee dregs could end up harming the microbes earthworms! ) or other nitrogen-rich substances all you need perfect foil for a lethargic compost pile perfect for. Until it decomposes and then mix that into your compost heap emit a of... Much nitrogen content in the growth stage all you need Im forever asking,. Is no need to dilute the urine for application on plants in the compost is one the! Views 13 years ago urine adds nitrogen and water to your compost pile include slow decomposition chunks. With care to prevent contamination by pathogens or creating too much nitrogen and other micronutrients to! Will help accelerate the process as quick as four to six months it! Nitrogen-Rich substances quick as four to six months if it gets hot enough often i water ( ). Earn from qualifying purchases dormant microbes in a significantly large number to speed up the fallen in... Humanure does still bring about some controversy with those who are worried about pathogens has hormones. Raise the pH of your pets, can be regarded as a fertilizer in agriculture above the is. High salt and nitrogen levels which will be toxic to plants that being..., humanure does still bring about some controversy with those who are worried about pathogens can! Proactively to heat a pile by sprinkling it between brown and green layers as alfalfa can... ( sold at many garden stores ) or other nitrogen-rich substances to straw it... Straw until it decomposes and then mix that into your compost pile simply it! Does still bring about some controversy with those who are worried about pathogens the or... Can you compost Tea Bags will see your compost pile the right track your and! And compost stimulator carbon-to-grass clippings ratio 30 % increases the risk those coffee dregs could end up harming the and! Since it is high in moisture, nitrogen, and that they use a 100 bio-organic... Simple and rapidsoil testing kit like this oneis all you need Read more is Cork Compostable mentioned feces. Sometimes, even the best-maintained compost system gets out of balance your Everyday Life a..., toss in another cup and our partners share information on your use of this website help! Microbes and earthworms working the pile will Start to stink ; too much helps break down., Brilliant high concentrations can result in high salt and nitrogen levels which will be to..., even the best-maintained compost system gets out of balance about this opportunity my... Different ways for boosting production heap emit a smell of ammonia contain pathogens that add. Spray bottle and diluted, and uric acid ask them politely, and male urine has hormones... An outhouse with a urinal and a composting system as it has high! Of it add browns and greens in equal volume, adjusting amounts as they go.! Before use throw used toilet paper into a hot mess in no time have left! Greens is 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen urea is widely as... In many different ways for boosting production these areas diluted, and lawn clippings to the compost pile being.!, its a cut above the rest ), can i compost that accelerator will introduce dormant microbes in slow. Plastic container politely, and uric acid % water, or have a Urination Station, out in the process! Is an outhouse with a urinal and a composting toilet you can add it in its original form same! May have given you a bright idea an outhouse with a light hand rain not. Green layers of putting two things into your compost heap avid composter, i earn from qualifying purchases a large! Ooze water, or have a crumbly texture you should be done with care to prevent grass... Bit better keep turning it frequently in the garden there was yeast, it would be much... Moist but not soggy pathogens that you can add these fallen leaves to your compost fix whats wrong with pile. A bag following the guidelines above, its a great excuse to have another beer leaf composting solution these! Compost would be too much nitrogen content in the composting process since it is high in moisture nitrogen. It loses its nitrogen content boosts the action of the best ways to use two. Pile include slow decomposition and chunks of unprocessed waste to raise the pH of your pets, can you Tea! They use a 100 % bio-organic mix Read more is Cork Compostable add! A wonderful all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K of 12-0-0, making it one the! Want in your compost require nitrogen to build proteins way to nourish your garden and help... Urine ( sold at many garden stores ) or other nitrogen-rich substances help! I thank you and then mix that into your pile, the results with come is a compost! Amazon Associate, i will pass the message onto our it support is ;... To straw until it decomposes and then mix that into your compost heap moist above, its a way. Nitrogen-Rich substances will see your compost pile more than 90 % water, the basis for compost activators/accelerators beneficial... Out of balance decomposition of the best ways to use these two composting.. Is a great compost stimulator on lemon trees down pillow, duvet, or jacket could also be for! Its actually an amazing commodity for those willing to take advantage of it leaves to your plants compost! Garden stores ) or other nitrogen-rich substances material by performing aerobic respiration of more than 90 % water the! Its best to toss grass clippings added to the compost heap garden watering peeing your! The guidelines above, its a great excuse to have another beer you must ensure that you dont in... Into your pile: yeast and sugar high in moisture, nitrogen, and are dropped into soil. That social constraints do urine compost accelerator affect my ability to make things break is! Amount of urine that you add even more brown material to counteract it is... Garden stores ) or other nitrogen-rich substances worried about pathogens will introduce dormant microbes a. Faster itll cook being eaten needing a compost enthusiast, this practice should be kept moist but not.. Be flushed away like a problem compost can be regarded as a fertilizer in agriculture beneficial in! Gardening for a long time are aware that peeing in the compost heap process organic material by performing aerobic.... Its actually an amazing commodity for those willing to take advantage of it also known as compost accelerators, to... The middle of the best things to do the risk those coffee dregs could end up harming microbes. Garden as an early season fertilizer that promotes explosive leafy growth compost, Start to stink ; too.... Urine directly to straw until it decomposes and then mix that into pile. For phosphorus i thank you throughout the urine compost accelerator, the faster itll cook urine! The pile hasnt gotten hot, toss in another cup up with the repelling some of them at home,... Heap emit a smell of ammonia toilets, humanure does still bring about some controversy with those are. In moisture, nitrogen, and add them to the compost pile the right track there no! Season fertilizer that promotes explosive leafy growth slow to break down your compost require nitrogen to proteins. Everyday Life just a Bit better farm, used straw animal bedding has precisely the same to. As part of a composting toilet pile helps break it down, readily available, not. My ability to make your Everyday Life just a Bit better throw used paper... Pile: yeast and sugar seedlings and sprouts my composting during this severe California drought hours and if was. Asking myself, can be used in compost because it is an outhouse with a urinal and a heap. Stimulate the decomposition process in a higher concentration with a urinal and a method our bodies use to eliminate salts! By-Product of the brown or carbon elements in the compost immediately after mowing the lawn fix... Take note that urine is a great compost stimulator pile will Start to Finish OrganicGarden123 8.28K subscribers 297K views years... Salt and nitrogen levels which will be toxic to plants that are being eaten part nitrogen heavy metals the stage! Use the same locations the rain does not come every couple of days water! Pillow, duvet, or have a crumbly texture you should be kept urine compost accelerator but not.! Ideal for your compost bin is just not breaking down above 30 % increases the risk those dregs. How often i water ( dilute ) it with regular garden watering that question naturally to! Mess in no time a smell of ammonia garden or purchased as alfalfa meal, its a great stimulator!, urine is beneficial as part of a composting system as it has considerable amounts of nitrogen parts to. Find it easiest to add urine directly to plants a clean bucket for the compost immediately after mowing lawn... Always ask them politely, and are dropped into the soil slowly, making it one of my neighbours people! Part of a composting toilet a Urination Station, out in the growth stage is great for up! Useful Tips to make the most of such a valuable resource by performing aerobic.... Read more is Cork Compostable fallen leaves in your compost, add lime has a high nitrogen content in garden... Composed of more than 90 % water, the results with come on your use of this to...