The effect of human urine on the growth performance and yield of spinacia oleracea
Abstract
The study was carried out under shade conditions in the herbarium, at the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University. Healthy spinach seeds were sown in well-spaced plastic buckets. The treatments were done in three replicates. T1 seeds were treated with diluted human urine, T2 were treated with NPK fertilizers and T3 were treated with water, (acted as the control). The growth performance was monitored for 1-1⁄2 months. Parameters measured were length, height, and the fresh weight of the spinach.
Using graph pad software, the data was analyzed and it was evident that spinach plants treated with diluted human urine had the lowest yield, and the poorest growth performance. The highest yields were observed in the untreated spinach plants.
It was concluded that irrespective of the nutrient composition of the human urine, its application gave low spinach growth, since its acidity can counteract its applicability as a fertilizer to spinach plants, as they are sensitive to acidic conditions.
Consequently frequent use of urine used as a fertilizer with ash, or lime might be a better alternative to promote high plant yields.
The data from the research can provide the possibility of using urine for the sustainability of agriculture and also boost food production in local farmers. In addition to that, it will also highlight on sanitation improvement among people who poorly dispose the urine.