Scientists behind a pioneering project to turn human urine into plant fertilizer are hoping to grow their first forest. As part of a UK-first Forestry Commission-backed trial, the team plans to grow thousands of native British trees for a new woodland in Monmouthshire, south Wales. This will be the first time the fertilizer has been used on trees.
Bristol-based start-up NPK Recovery collects urine from portable toilets during festivals and events, transforming it into fertilizer to help grass grow back on the fields afterwards. In recent years, the team has been collecting urine at events like the London Marathon and Boomtown Festival. They use the nitrogen and other nutrients in urine to produce fertilizer on site, easing the burden on sewage systems as the events run and reducing chemical use.
The product does not smell. The fertilizer has already been used to grow grass and crops, with field trials suggesting it can be as effective as synthetic fertilizer. Fertilizer prices have soared due to the war in Iran, putting pressure on farmers and growers.
Urine naturally contains all of the nutrients that plants need such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but it also contains a variety of contaminants. NPK Recovery is based out of the University of the West of England. The project is part of a three-year project funded by a £435,627 Forestry Commission grant to support innovation in the sector.
The company has partnered with Welsh charity Stump up for Trees and its tree nursery on the outskirts of Abergavenny. The plan is to use the fertilizer to help grow 4,500 native British trees - such as beech and Scots pine - to be planted in Bannau Brycheiniog national park, also known as the Brecon Beacons. The farmer-led charity Stump up for Trees has recently celebrated planting its 500,000th tree, and is aiming for a million.
Pests, pathogens and invasive species have decimated native tree populations. Woodland Trust data suggests just 7% of Britain's native woodlands are in good condition.