The Hydroponic Frontier
In my work at Living Web Farms, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring all sorts of fascinating food production systems. From the intricate world of mycology to the ancient art of biochar making, I’m always eager to dive into new realms of agricultural alchemy. But perhaps the most captivating frontier I’ve encountered is the realm of aquaponics – the harmonious marriage of aquaculture and hydroponics.
A couple years ago, I decided to take the plunge and set up a small experimental aquaponic system in the corner of our insulated shipping container. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. Like many before me, I quickly learned that problem-free aquaponics is easier said than done. Conventional gardening problems persisted, alongside the unique challenges of aquaculture. Nutrient imbalances, mechanical failures, and disease pressures all took their toll.
After some initial setbacks, I realized that in order to find success in this watery world, I would need to simplify. And that’s exactly what I did – swapping out the fish for a more direct approach to hydroponic cultivation, fueled by the magic of human urine.
Anthroponic Alchemy
The term “anthroponics” may sound a bit strange, but it’s really just a fancy way of describing a method of hydroponic growing where human urine is the primary nutrient source. In many ways, it shares the advantages of both aquaponics and conventional hydroponic growing. Like all hydroponic systems, water demand is drastically lower than traditional soil-based agriculture. And just like aquaponics, anthroponics offers the potential for high food production capacity without relying on petroleum-based chemical fertilizers.
The key difference is the elimination of the aquaculture component. No more fish to manage, no need for additional filters and tanks – just a simple system powered by the magic of the human body.
Of course, as with any endeavor involving human waste, there are certainly challenges to overcome. Urine can be a potent fertilizer, but it’s not a perfectly balanced one. Careful monitoring and supplementation are required to ensure plants get the full spectrum of nutrients they need. And then there’s the issue of pathogen management – after all, we are dealing with bodily fluids here.
But through a combination of strategic storage, microbial inoculation, and thoughtful application, I’ve found that these hurdles can be surmounted. And the payoff is well worth it – nutritious, delicious bounty grown right in my own backyard, powered by the most renewable of resources.
A Nutrient-Rich Alchemy
At the heart of anthroponic systems is the remarkable liquid that flows through our bodies every day – urine. A byproduct of the filtration work done by our kidneys, urine is a veritable treasure trove of plant-available nutrients.
Healthy human urine is composed of about 95% water, with the remaining 5% containing a wealth of essential elements. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium make up the bulk of this non-aqueous fraction, with urea being the primary nitrogen-bearing compound. But urine also contains appreciable amounts of sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and a host of micronutrients.
Research from organizations like the Rich Earth Institute has shown that the average person produces enough urine in a year to fertilize around 250 kg of corn. That’s a remarkable statistic, considering how much of this nutrient-dense resource we simply flush away.
Of course, the precise nutrient composition of urine can vary quite a bit, depending on factors like diet, hydration level, and time of day. The World Health Organization recommends pathogen reduction through extended storage prior to agricultural application. But with a little planning and foresight, this free, renewable source of fertility can be harnessed to grow a truly impressive array of plants.
Cultivating a Closed Loop
One of the most exciting aspects of anthroponic systems is their potential to create a truly closed-loop cycle of nutrient exchange. Instead of treating human waste as a liability to be disposed of, we can embrace it as a valuable resource, completing the circle between our bodies and the food we consume.
In a well-designed anthroponic setup, the nutrients in urine are directly taken up by the plants, which in turn nourish us when we eat them. It’s a beautiful example of biomimicry, replicating the nutrient cycling that occurs in natural ecosystems. And by minimizing the need for external inputs, these systems hold the promise of enhanced sustainability and resilience.
Of course, achieving that level of circularity requires careful management. Ensuring proper pathogen reduction, balancing nutrient ratios, and preventing salt buildup are all critical considerations. But with a bit of diligence and a lot of curiosity, I’ve found that the rewards of anthroponic growing far outweigh the challenges.
Experimenting with Aquaponic Bounty
As I mentioned, my own aquaponic experiments didn’t exactly go according to plan. But through that process of trial and error, I learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most elegant solution is the simplest one.
By stripping away the aquaculture component and focusing solely on hydroponics, I was able to create a system that is not only more manageable, but also more responsive to the unique needs of the plants I’m growing. Gone are the headaches of maintaining perfect water chemistry for both fish and vegetables. Instead, I can fine-tune the nutrient profile, pH, and oxygen levels to the specific requirements of my crops.
And the results have been nothing short of spectacular. In my backyard at Thornappple CSA, I’m now cultivating a lush abundance of leafy greens, vibrant herbs, and even a flourishing patch of Japanese indigo. All of it powered by the magic of recycled urine.
The key, I’ve found, is in the careful management of that precious liquid resource. Through a combination of strategic storage, microbial inoculation, and targeted supplementation, I’m able to create a nutrient-rich solution that meets the diverse needs of my hydroponic crops.
Urine as a Versatile Fertilizer
One of the most fascinating aspects of working with urine as a fertilizer is just how versatile it can be. While it may not be a perfectly balanced nutrient source on its own, with a little bit of alchemical know-how, it can be transformed into a powerhouse of plant-available goodness.
Take, for example, the case of my Japanese indigo patch. As a nitrogen-hungry annual, this vibrant dye plant thrives on regular infusions of urea-rich urine. But to ensure it gets the full spectrum of nutrients it needs, I’ve taken to combining my morning urine with a homemade mineral mix – a blend of wood ash, gypsum, and a touch of magnesium oxide.
The results have been nothing short of spectacular. My anthroponically-grown indigo plants have positively rocketed skyward, yielding an astonishingly fast succession of lush, pigment-rich harvests. And when it comes time to extract that precious blue dye, the fermentation process is lightning-fast, a testament to the vitality of these urine-fueled plants.
But the magic of urine-based fertilization isn’t limited to just my indigo patch. I’ve also had great success using it to nourish my leafy greens, herbs, and even a flourishing duckweed polyculture. By carefully monitoring nutrient levels and making strategic adjustments, I’m able to create a perfectly tailored solution that meets the unique needs of each crop.
The Joy of Closed-Loop Cultivation
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my anthroponic adventures, though, is the sense of connectedness it has instilled in me. By embracing the nutrient-rich resource that flows through my own body, I feel a deep, almost primal kinship with the plants I’m cultivating. It’s a humbling realization, to understand that the very same elements that sustain me can also nourish the bounty that graces my table.
And beyond the personal satisfaction, there’s an undeniable elegance to the closed-loop nature of these systems. Rather than treating human waste as a problem to be solved, I’m able to transform it into a solution – a renewable wellspring of fertility that allows me to grow food in a truly sustainable manner.
Of course, as with any agricultural endeavor, there are challenges to be faced. Striking the right nutrient balance, managing pathogens, and contending with the occasional unpleasant odor are all part of the process. But for me, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
Each time I harvest a vibrant head of lettuce or pluck a fragrant sprig of basil, I’m filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude. This bounty, after all, is the product of an ancient alchemical dance – a collaboration between my own body and the verdant tapestry of life that surrounds me. It’s a humbling and deeply nourishing experience, one that I’m honored to share with the community of Thornappple CSA.
So if you’re intrigued by the prospect of growing your own food in a water-based, waste-recycling system, I encourage you to dive in. The aquaponic alchemy may take some time to master, but the delicious results are well worth the effort. Who knows – you might even discover a newfound appreciation for the magic that flows through us all.
