Using Human Urine as Fertilizer to Optimize Corn Growth and Yield in the Imbo Agroecological Zone in Burundi
Gilbert Nijimbere *
Laboratory of Nutrition-Phytochemistry, Ecology and Applied Environment, University Center for Research and Pedagogy Applied to Science, Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, PO Box 5223, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Charles Niyonkuru
Laboratory of Nutrition-Phytochemistry, Ecology and Applied Environment, University Center for Research and Pedagogy Applied to Science, Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, PO Box 5223, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Claire Nineza
Laboratory of Nutrition-Phytochemistry, Ecology and Applied Environment, University Center for Research and Pedagogy Applied to Science, Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, PO Box 5223, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Francois Nitereka
Laboratory of Nutrition-Phytochemistry, Ecology and Applied Environment, University Center for Research and Pedagogy Applied to Science, Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, PO Box 5223, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Ferdinand Niyongabo
Laboratory of Nutrition-Phytochemistry, Ecology and Applied Environment, University Center for Research and Pedagogy Applied to Science, Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, PO Box 5223, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Venant Nyandwi
Laboratory of Nutrition-Phytochemistry, Ecology and Applied Environment, University Center for Research and Pedagogy Applied to Science, Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, PO Box 5223, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Rémy Marie Nkurunziza
Laboratory of Nutrition-Phytochemistry, Ecology and Applied Environment, University Center for Research and Pedagogy Applied to Science, Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, PO Box 5223, Bujumbura, Burundi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Agriculture is crucial for food security in Burundi, providing 95% of food and contributing 39.6% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, it faces challenges like high population density, which strains natural resources, and limit access to agricultural inputs due to low purchasing power. This study investigates the effects of varying concentrations of human urine on the growth and yield of Bazooka hybrid maize in the Imbo agroecological zone to assess whether human urine can help alleviate the problem of insufficient and limited access to fertilizers. An experiment with five treatments (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% urine) applied at 0.5 liters per planting hole showed yields ranging from 2.84 t/ha to 3.92 t/ha over three growing seasons. The 75% urine treatment gave yield of 3.92 t/ha, significantly higher than that of the unfertilized control. These findings suggest that human urine can enhance maize productivity, providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and addressing agricultural input challenges in Burundi.
Keywords: Human urine, valorization, maize, growth, yield, concentration