Innovative Fertiliser Project Aims to Grow New Woodland
Scientists behind a pioneering initiative to convert human urine into plant fertiliser are preparing to cultivate their first forest.
Bristol-based start-up NPK Recovery collects urine from portable toilets at festivals and events, transforming it into fertiliser that aids grass regrowth on event fields.
Now, supported by a UK-first trial backed by the Forestry Commission, the team plans to grow thousands of native British trees to establish a new woodland in Monmouthshire, South Wales.
This development comes amid soaring fertiliser prices driven by the conflict in Iran, which has increased challenges for farmers and growers.
Background and Process
Operating from the University of the West of England (UWE), the team has been collecting urine at events such as the London Marathon and Boomtown Festival in recent years.
They extract nitrogen and other nutrients from the urine to produce fertiliser onsite, which reduces strain on sewage systems during events and decreases reliance on chemical fertilisers.
The resulting product, which notably does not have an unpleasant odour, has been successfully used to grow grass and crops. Field trials indicate it can be as effective as synthetic fertilisers.
First Use on Trees
This project marks the first time the fertiliser will be applied to trees. It is part of a three-year initiative funded by a £435,627 Forestry Commission grant aimed at fostering innovation in the forestry sector.
The company has partnered with Welsh charity Stump up for Trees and its tree nursery near Abergavenny.
The plan involves using the fertiliser to nurture 4,500 native British trees, including species such as beech and Scots pine, which will be planted in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, also known as the Brecon Beacons.
Environmental Impact and Vision
Lucy Bell-Reeves, co-founder of NPK Recovery, described the approach as "a circular solution that can revitalise our struggling native species."
"Pests, pathogens and invasive species have decimated native tree populations," she explained, citing Woodland Trust data showing only 7% of Britain's native woodlands are in good condition.
"I love the idea that by the end of this three-year project, revellers and runners will have created a fledgling Welsh forest, which could flourish for hundreds of years," Bell-Reeves added.
"We need to stop flushing crop and tree-growing nutrients down the loo, and start using them to increase our fertiliser security. After all, we're not about to run out of urine any time soon."
Rob Penn, author and journalist who co-founded Stump up for Trees, expressed enthusiasm about the project.
"I am very excited to be involved in this ground-breaking project, which has implications for the future of sustainable forestry."
The farmer-led charity recently celebrated planting its 500,000th tree and aims to reach one million.
Safety and Sustainability Considerations
Despite the project's success, experts advise against individuals urinating in their gardens to fertilise plants.
Olivia Wilson, NPK Recovery's research and development scientist, explained that while urine naturally contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it also contains various contaminants.
The company's process removes these contaminants and converts the nutrients into forms readily absorbed by plants, resulting in an "effective, safe - and odourless - fertiliser," Wilson emphasized.
Given the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting the availability and cost of imported synthetic fertilisers, Wilson noted the project's long-term goal.
"We hope to provide a bit of fertiliser security for growers in the UK who are looking for a more sustainable source for their fertiliser needs."
