Oh, man. I know you’ll be loving this article from Science Daily, Boy Infidel.
The title alone says it all: Sustainable Fertilizer: Urine And Wood Ash Produce Large Harvest. This is a legitimate science news site telling people to piss on their crops! The good news is that this isn’t actually insane. The study shows that urine on it’s own is a great source of nitrogen and as such a good replacement for chemical fertilizer, but adding in the wood ash just sweetens the proverbial piss-and-tomato pie because wood ash is high in minerals and reduces acidity.
Holy crap! I’ve been wasting mine!
On a serious note, I do find it quite interesting to consider this. I’ve always heard that urine was bad for plants. We’ve all seen the gag on TV where the rose bushes die because dad drinks too much beer in the back yard and just can’t count on making it to the biffy. I’ve never actually thought about the mechanics behind this (largely because I piss in gorgeous porcelain bowls) but the acidity would obviously be a factor. If the wood ash can counteract the acidity AND provide minerals, then it makes good sense.
That settles it. Tonight I’m getting some wood, some matches, and a whole case of beer and watering the neighbor’s garden. Because I am a good neighbor.
HAHA! It’s great to know that we can ALL do our part to provide local, sustainable grown produce for our communities! Thanks, bigugly … let me buy you a pint for the planet:)