Análisis de viabilidad del uso de Urea como biofertilizante: Una estrategia de manejo ambiental sostenible

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of urea, obtained from human urine, as a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers in agriculture. The study, carried out in Landázuri, Santander, was based on a mixed research approach involving chemical analysis and farmer surveys. Urine contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphates, with the average adult producing 3.88 kg of nitrogen per year. Comparisons with conventional fertilizers suggest that urea can be an effective and environmentally friendly option, without the negative effects associated with chemicals, such as groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers showed a favorable attitude towards the use of this biofertilizer, highlighting its feasibility for a more sustainable agriculture. The study included both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a sample of 68 participants, and surveys and field observations were conducted to collect data, which were analyzed using IBM SPSS software. The analysis revealed that urine is composed mainly of water (95%) and various nutrients essential for plant growth (5%), with urea accounting for 46.67% of nitrogen. Other important nutrients found included potassium, phosphates, sodium, chlorides, magnesium, sulfates, creatine and uric acid, all critical for soil health and plant development. Taken together, these findings underscore the potential of urine as a valuable and sustainable resource in agricultural fertilization.