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Replacing Mineral Fertilizer with Nitrified Human Urine in Hydroponic Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) Production

Author

Listed:
  • Mareike Mauerer

    (Division Biosystems Engineering, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Thorsten Rocksch

    (Division Biosystems Engineering, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Dennis Dannehl

    (Division Biosystems Engineering, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Ingo Schuch

    (Division Biosystems Engineering, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Inga Mewis

    (Division Urban Plant Ecophysiology, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lentzeallee 55/57, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Nadja Förster

    (Division Urban Plant Ecophysiology, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lentzeallee 55/57, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Christian Ulrichs

    (Division Urban Plant Ecophysiology, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lentzeallee 55/57, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Uwe Schmidt

    (Division Biosystems Engineering, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Source-separated, nitrified, and decontaminated human urine constitutes a promising plant fertilizer that contains a large share of the nitrogen and phosphorus in household wastewater, and other plant nutrients. However, human urine contains high levels of sodium and chloride that can affect salt-sensitive greenhouse crops. Replacing mineral fertilizer with nitrified urine fertilizer could reduce the environmental impact of lettuce production in hydroponic systems, if marketable yield, appearance, and produce quality are not affected. In the present study, a treatment combination of a nitrified urine fertilizer and mineral fertilizers was used to grow lettuce through the nutrient film technique. This was compared to a conventionally fertilized control treatment. No significant differences were observed regarding yield, phenotype, and contents of nitrate, heavy metals, phenolic acids, and chlorophyll in leaf tissue. Calcium content was significantly reduced and sodium was elevated in nitrified urine treatment. For the elements nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, a saving of 48%, 13%, and 15% was calculated, respectively. The calculated carbon footprint from the total fertilizer production was reduced by 34.25%, caused by the nitrified urine treatment. Based on these results, a nutrient solution composed of nitrified urine fertilizer combined with mineral fertilizer may be a promising alternative for growers to produce lettuce with a reduced environmental impact without loss of plant quantity and quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Mareike Mauerer & Thorsten Rocksch & Dennis Dannehl & Ingo Schuch & Inga Mewis & Nadja Förster & Christian Ulrichs & Uwe Schmidt, 2023. "Replacing Mineral Fertilizer with Nitrified Human Urine in Hydroponic Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10684-:d:1188451
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Suhl, Johanna & Dannehl, Dennis & Kloas, Werner & Baganz, Daniela & Jobs, Sebastian & Scheibe, Günther & Schmidt, Uwe, 2016. "Advanced aquaponics: Evaluation of intensive tomato production in aquaponics vs. conventional hydroponics," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 335-344.
    2. Christophe El-Nakhel & Danny Geelen & Jolien De Paepe & Peter Clauwaert & Stefania De Pascale & Youssef Rouphael, 2021. "An Appraisal of Urine Derivatives Integrated in the Nitrogen and Phosphorus Inputs of a Lettuce Soilless Cultivation System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-13, April.
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