The primary product of black soldier fly farms is frass: a mixture of insect manures, exoskeletons, & organic residues that can enhance soil health as locally produced, natural fertilizers.
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Frass is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, along with diverse beneficial microbiota from the insect gut.
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Frass improves soil structure, improves soil water retention, soil nutrient availability and microbial respiration, as well as biostimulant properties to increase plant and soil health.
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Similar to compost or animal manure, frass adds diverse, crucial organic matter, chitin, and microbes to rebuild soil structure, improve bioavailability of other soil nutrients, and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
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Frass shows promise in commercial trials as a replacement for synthetic fertilizers.
Frass Benefits
May also include:
Offsets Chemicals
Offsets chemical fertilizer and pesticide application costs
Natural Immunity
Chitin in frass stimulates natural plant immunity to pests
Rebuild Soil Structure
Improved drought resistance, soil water retention and structure
Low-Odor
Frass is naturally low-odor
Plant & Microbe Health
Improves plant, soil, and beneficial microbe health
Food Security
Frass can be locally produced from organic waste, reducing reliance on imports
