How farmers in Switzerland perceive fertilizers from recycled anthropogenic nutrients (urine)

Abstract

We studied acceptance of a urine-based fertilizer product using a mail survey of 467 Swiss farmers. We distinguished among four production types: organic or IP farming, and with or without vegetable production. Considering that the idea of urine-based fertilizers is new, acceptance among the answering farmers was surprisingly high, with 57% explicitly stating that they thought it was a good or very good idea, and 42% willing to purchase such a product. The farmers of different production types did not differ strongly in their attitude towards urine-based fertilizers. Especially IP and vegetable farmers, who purchased additional fertilizers anyway, seem willing to accept urine-based fertilizers, hereby preferring a grainy, odorless ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Absolutely essential is a hazard-free product: 30% of all farmers had concerns regarding micropollutants. Based on fertilizer data, we demonstrate an existing demand for the nutrients N, P, and K in Switzerland, which could be partially substituted by a recycled urine product. Finally, we discuss methodological requirements of social science surveys. To obtain representative data on an entire population in a mail survey, multiple contacts with respondents are necessary. We argue that information and participation of stakeholders at an early stage is essential for successful technology transfer.

Farmers’ Perceptions on the Agricultural Use of Human Urine in the Central Amazon

“…In a study conducted in Switzerland, 42% of farmers said they would purchase a "urine-based fertilizer"; 43% were in favor of altering regulations for the approval of this kind of fertilizer, and more than half of them had a positive view of the use of human urine as a fertilizer (Lienert et al 2003). These authors' opinion was that the demand for nutrients by Switzerland's producers could, to a certain degree, be supplied by human urine.…”

“…These authors' opinion was that the demand for nutrients by Switzerland's producers could, to a certain degree, be supplied by human urine. One interesting result from the Switzerland study is that 47% (n=34) of farmers report that they would use human urine as a fertilizer even if the origin of the urine was unknown (Lienert et al 2003). Origin is an important factor that needs to be considered.…”

“…Studies regarding users' and farmers' perceptions have been conducted in different regions of the world, and results vary according to the local culture and previous experience with urine as a fertilizer (Okem et al 2013;Lienert et al 2003). In a recent research carried out in Southern India with the application of face-to-face interviews, the authors stated that "the survey responses indicated that besides socio-demographic factors, other factors such as 'trust' might have to be taken into consideration when planning and implementing nutrient recycling programmes" .…”

Charting a Path for Innovative Toilet Technology Using Multicriteria Decision Analysis

“…A previous study of NoMix (26) also considered farmers as stakeholders because the nutrients potentially recovered from urine can be used to produce agricultural fertilizer. The results of the study revealed that farmers would use the urinebased fertilizer so long as it did not cost more than their current fertilizer product nor present any risks to human health.…”

Microbial succession in a fermenting of wild forest noni (Morinda coreia Ham) fruit plus molasses and its role in producing a liquid fertilizer

“…The use of synthetic mineral fertilizers is not allowed in organic farming, especially with vegetables. Farmers using the IP standard are allowed to use synthetic mineral fertilizer, provided that the nutrient balance on the farm is in equilibrium (Lienert et al 2003). Hence, natural fertilizers are becoming an attractive alternative way to avoid the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers.…”