Channel: Living Web Farms

Category: Education

Tags: distilling urinediscovering phosphorushistory of indigo dyeurinehow to dye with urinechanging base metals into goldsaltpetermaking indigo dyeliving web farmslaundryhistory of phosphorusurine on the homesteadno waste farmingurine fertilizerchemistry of urinealchemyindigo powderphilosopher's stonealumusing uringdan hettingerphophorusliquid goldindigourine dye

Description: In a vain attempt at producing gold, 17th-century alchemist Hennig Brand accidentally discovered elemental Phosphorus while heating in a glass retort the residues from boiled-down urine. In modern times, this ‘liquid gold’ is seen as a potent source of increasingly limited phosphorus and useful nitrogen fertilizer. Its application in the garden is profound, but it should not be used without careful consideration. Join us for a continuation of our Waste Not series, where biochar facility manager Dan Hettinger takes an in-depth exploration into the chemistry and applications of everyday household waste materials. We’ll explore the chemical composition of urine and establish methods for safe application. Following, Dan will share his experience using urine as a primary nutrient in hydroponic growing and experimental duckweed farming, along with other obscure historical uses, including its use in natural dyeing processes and the manufacture of saltpeter. This is part 1 of the edited version from the live webinar with higher audio and video quality. Please subscribe and share our ongoing educational content.