Human excreta for fertilization of non-edible tropical plants

Open defecation, untreated sanitary and washing wastewaters are a serious problem in many poor areas. If the nutrients of human excreta would be seen as economical resource there would be reasons to build separating dry toilets and use valuable urine and washing waters for plant fertilizer and irrigation. This paper describes plants that could be cultivated in tropical areas utilizing wastewaters. The plants presented are mainly non-edible, since many people are not willing to use consciously human excreta for fertilization in food production. The survival abilities of these plants under water-logging or salt stress are considered. Plant species which could be used as fibers, light construction, fuel, fodder or timber, are presented. The regulations related to CITES-lists are presented. Since human urine can contain schistosomiasis spreading eggs, some plants known to have toxic effect on host snails of schistosomiasis spreading eggs are included. The better, safe latrine coverage would benefit especially women, but it would improve food and water hygiene. (Author's abstract)