Liquid gold: could we turn our pee into fertiliser?
This article explores the historical and potential future use of human urine as a sustainable agricultural fertilizer. It highlights how rising costs of synthetic fertilizers, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, may lead to a resurgence of 'peecycling'.
Why it matters
As global fertilizer prices fluctuate due to war and supply chain issues, finding sustainable, low-cost alternatives is critical for food security.
Jonathan Knowles/Getty Liquid gold: could we turn our pee into fertiliser? Published: September 9, 2026 1:27am EDT https://theconversation.com/liquid-gold-could-we-turn-our-pee-into-fertiliser-290439 https://theconversation.com/liquid-gold-could-we-turn-our-pee-into-fertiliser-290439 Link copied Share article Share article
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For thousands of years, human urine has had real value.
After our bodies absorb nutrients from our food, they excrete the rest – mainly via urine. An adult produces about 500 litres a year . This liquid gold is very rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, three compounds vital for plant growth .
Ancient civilisations from Greece to China to Rome used it as fertiliser for crops, alongside faeces.
Synthetic fertilisers have largely replaced natural fertilisers such as urine. Half the world’s population now relies on food grown using synthetic fertilisers. Urine is still used as fertiliser by smallholder farmers who cannot afford synthetic fertilisers or want a sustainable alternative.
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