Insect frass as a biofertiliser

Contact: Arthy Surendran

Insectrial Revolution - Insect frass as bio-fertiliser on cabbage crop.
Currently, the application of insect meal for food and feed is of strong economic, ecological and social interest. Black soldier fly larvae are the most common insect reared as substitutes for conventional food and feed. Insect meal production in Europe is forecast to reach one million tonnes by 2030 (IPIFF 2021). This implies that Europe will produce three million tonnes of frass (waste). Therefore, the development of the frass market is as important as protein.

To date, not many field studies have been conducted in Europe to evaluate the effect of frass on plants. Hence in this field trial, we are evaluating the effect of frass included at various nitrogen rates on cabbage plants. The frass characteristics are significantly affected by the black soldier fly’s feed. In the lettuce trial, we have included frass obtained from different feeds and we are evaluating its effect.