Rabbit urine as a biopesticide and biofertilizer : how does a Kenyan cultural method compare to conventional chemical pesticide and fertilizer?

Sammanfattning: The increased demand for food production has created higher needs for crop nutrients and protection. Although synthetic fertilizers and pesticides have increased food security and ensured yield for farmers worldwide, there are growing concerns about the environmental implications of over reliance of these fertilizers and pesticides as well as concern for pest resistance due to persistent pesticide use. This study sought to evaluate alternatives towards soil nutrition and pest control. This experiment evaluated wether or not 50% diluted rabbit urine can be used as a bio fertilizer and/or biopesticide as a sustainable and affordable alternative. The experiment used kale also known as collards, Brassica oleracea var. acephala D.C and aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) as test subjects. There was no statistical difference between pesticidal control experiments and urine sprayed experiments in number of aphids. The number of leaves and dry matter weight was statistically higher in rabbit urine treated experiments compared to negative control. We therefore conclude from this experiment that there was evidence that rabbit urine can be used as biofertilizer but not e as a pesticide aginst aphids. Given that we diluted rabbit urine in 1:1 with water, further investigations could be undertaken to evaluate higher concentrations of urine as well as combine rabbit urine with other pesticides such as neem oil.