All materials are readily available on the farm and no cash expenditure is involved.
- Preparation
Farmers use different preparation procedures for different crops, pests and diseases. Dilution and storage of urine are two key steps that a farmer needs to keep note of when using this practice. however, urine can also be used with or without dilution.
1.1 Dilution
Dilution is done to reduce the concentration of nitrogenous compounds in the urine that could burn the young plant tissues. Farmers have invented different dilution levels for different crops and application techniques. The dilution levels vary between approximately 2:1 (2 parts urine to 1 part water) to 1:4 (one part urine to 4 parts water). A dilution level of 1:1 (one partof urine to one part of water) was found to be the most common practice among the farmers met by members of Grameen Foundation Community Knowledge Worker network in Uganda.
1.2 Storage
In most preparations, farmers store urine for varying durations ranging from one day to three weeks before or after adding other ingredients. Storing urine is important to reduce the risk of spreading diseases caused by microorganisms that may be in the urine (see recommendations in chapter “Health concerns”).
It is important to note that diluting the urine before storage lowers its concentration and therefore increases the chances of survival of microorganisms. Whether stored before or after adding other ingredients, urine must be stored in closed containers to avoid loss of ammonia and entry of pathogens. Diluted urine if kept open would also act as a breeding place for mosquitoes. Urine should also be kept out of reach of children and domestic animals to reduce chances of disease spread.
1.3 Filtering
Before application, the ash and urine preparation may need to be filtered depending on the application procedure to be used. When using a spraying pump, the mixture should be passed through a porous Using urine and ash to control crop pests and diseases
