Abstract

PRECIADO-RANGEL, P et al. Evaluation of human urine as a source of nutrients in the production of tomato seedlings. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2010, vol.26, n.2, pp.171-178. ISSN 0186-2979.

It is proposed that human urine is used as a nutrient solution in place of the conventional use of fertilisers and inorganic nutrient solutions. However, earlier studies have indicated that it requires a previous conditioning to decrease pH and salinity. This study evaluated four urine dilutions with different levels of electric conductivity (1, 2, 3 and 4 dS m^-1), plus two additional treatments: inorganic nutrient solution and distilled water. Tomato seedlings were watered with these solutions. The analysed variables considered seedling growth and development, as well as nutrient concentration. The results showed a statistical significance (p < 0.05) in the growth parameters with the nutrient solution at the level of 1 dS m ^-1 of urine. The use of urine at this level is considered feasible, as statistically similar values were observed (p < 0.05) in variables such as number of leaves, stem diameter, dry root weight, foliar area, and chlorophyll content and activity, as well as nitrient absorption. In addition, this urine treatment showed a 39% greater absorption of N with respect to the inorganic nutrient solution.

Keywords : Nutrient solution; transplant.