At the Vinitech trade fair in Bordeaux, the French start-up Toopi unveiled an innovative and eco-friendly solution for viticulture: a biofertilizer derived from human urine.
This groundbreaking product, Lactipi Plus, aims to reduce the dependency on conventional mineral fertilizers while promoting sustainability and maintaining vineyard yields.
From Waste to Value: How Lactipi Plus is Made
Toopi collects human urine from dry toilets installed at highway rest areas, the Futuroscope amusement park, and music festivals. After stabilization and disinfection, the urine is enriched with sugar and the bacterial culture Lactobacillus paracasei. Through a carefully controlled fermentation process, the biofertilizer is transformed into a highly efficient nutrient solution.
In its raw form, human urine requires an estimated 17,000 liters per hectare to mobilize 35 kilograms of phosphorus. However, Lactipi Plus achieves this with only 25 liters per hectare, offering a more concentrated and sustainable alternative.
Benefits for Vineyards and the Environment
Lactipi Plus provides multiple benefits for both the vines and the environment:
- Enhanced Plant Growth: By stimulating root development, Lactipi Plus improves the vines' water and nutrient uptake. Early tests demonstrated a 10% increase in shoot and leaf growth within just 40 days of application.
- Water Conservation: The production process saves 12 liters of water per liter of Lactipi Plus, significantly reducing resource consumption.
- Reduction in CO₂ Emissions: By replacing part of the mineral fertilizers, the product lowers greenhouse gas emissions without compromising yield.
- Optimized Fertilizer Usage: The precise application of the biofertilizer minimizes waste, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fertilization methods.
Application Guidelines
Toopi recommends a dosage of five liters per hectare, applied in three stages throughout the vine's growth cycle:
- Pre-Flowering: Two liters per hectare.
- Fruit Formation: 1.5 liters per hectare.
- Ripening: 1.5 liters per hectare.
The product is diluted at a ratio of 1:9 with water and applied directly at the vine base, ensuring targeted nutrient delivery.
Regulatory Milestone and Future Implications
Lactipi Plus recently received approval from the French regulatory body Anses, paving the way for broader adoption in vineyards across France and beyond. By integrating this biofertilizer into their practices, winemakers can not only reduce their environmental impact but also align with growing consumer demand for sustainable agricultural practices.
A Vision for Sustainable Viticulture
Founded in 2019, Toopi is at the forefront of transforming waste into valuable agricultural resources. Their innovation represents a significant step toward reducing reliance on resource-intensive mineral fertilizers while supporting the growth and quality of vines.
With Lactipi Plus, Toopi has demonstrated that sustainable solutions can go hand in hand with maintaining—and even improving—agricultural productivity. This innovation is poised to set a new standard in viticulture, combining ecological responsibility with economic viability.
Source: Vitisphere