Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Urine contains essential nutrients that fuel plant growth.

Statement II: Urine is packed with phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, which are the primary components of commercial fertilizers.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

The correct answer is option 1.

In News

• A new electrochemical technique published in Nature Catalysis proposes converting urea from urine into a crystalline peroxide derivative called percarbamide, offering a greener solution for fertilizer production and wastewater treatment.

Key Points

• Urine contains vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth, making it a potential source of natural fertilizer. Hence, Statement I is correct.
• Scientific Explanation (Statement II):
  • Urine is rich in the "Big Three" nutrients:
    • Nitrogen (N) – Found in urea, it enhances leaf and stem growth.
    • Phosphorus (P) – Supports root development and flowering.
    • Potassium (K) – Improves plant immunity and water regulation.
  • These elements form the backbone of commercial fertilizers, making urine a viable alternative for sustainable agriculture.
  • Researchers have developed a new electrochemical process to extract urea from urine and convert it into a stable fertilizer, completing the nitrogen cycle efficiently.
  • Urine’s high nutrient content directly explains why it fuels plant growth. Hence, Statement II correctly explains Statement I.

Additional Information

• The new percarbamide-based fertilizer releases nitrogen slowly, improving soil health and plant respiration.
• Ancient agriculture practices used human and animal urine as a natural fertilizer.
• Modern wastewater treatment methods aim to recover nutrients from urine rather than discarding them, promoting circular resource use.