With growing concern over soil degradation and high fertilizer prices, a new organic solution is gaining attention: Black Soldier Fly (BSF). This byproduct of BSF larvae farming is rich in nutrients and holds great promise for improving soil health naturally.
What is BSF frass?
BSF frass is the dry, granular waste produced by BSF larvae after they digest organic material. Though it might look like compost, it’s much more concentrated in nutrients—particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are known for their ability to rapidly digest and convert a wide variety of organic waste materials, including food scraps, animal manure, and other byproducts, into valuable resources like protein and fat-rich animal feed and organic fertilizer.
https://scienceafrica.co.ke/2022/07/01/black-soldier-fly-fertilizers-gaining-traction-in-kenya
“Frass is a game changer. It’s packed with nutrients, supports microbial activity, and improves soil structure,” explains Dr. Grace Omondi, a soil scientist and agroecology advocate.
Why Farmers Are Turning to BSF Fertilizer
BSF frass offers an organic, chemical-free option that improves crop yields while regenerating the soil.
FAO speaks on why farmers are resorting to BSF fertilizer. Read more via this link; https://www.fao.org/platforms/water-scarcity/Outreach/blog-on-water-scarcity/blog-detail/sustainable-land-and-water-for-food-security/2024/06/18/the-black-soldier-fly-revolution-in-support-of-waste-reduction–food-security–and–water-conservation/en
Benefits at a Glance
- Nutrient-Rich: Supplies plants with essential NPK
- Soil Health Booster: Increases organic matter and microbial life
- Reduces Chemical Use: Cuts reliance on synthetic fertilizers
Who Can Use It?
- Organic and regenerative farmers
- Youth groups or farmer cooperatives in waste management
- Agroecological demo plots or kitchen gardens
How to Use Frass
It can be applied directly during planting or as top-dress around crops. For best results, frass can be mixed with compost or used as part of a larger soil management strategy.
“What’s exciting is that farmers can produce BSF and use every part—from larvae for feed to frass for soil,” says Emmanuel Lubega, Coordinator of a youth-led BSF project in Eastern Uganda.
Practical Guidance
- A detailed knowledge product has been developed under the KCOA-KHEA project by ROAM a Country Implementing Partner on the KCOA-KHEA Project to guide farmers on how to use BSF frass effectively in their farming systems.
📘 Download here: BSF Knowledge Product – KCOA-KHEA
Disclaimer:
- To learn about the KCOA Project: https://kcoa-africa.org/
- To learn about the KHEA Project: https://khea-africa.org/
- For more details on information in this article, please reach out to pmagino@biovisionafrica.org
- See license statement of all KCOA Content: https://kcoa-africa.org/licence-statement/ which also applies to all content from hubs implementing the KCOA project.
Blog story formulation – done by Magino Pamella-KHEA Communications Officer-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya
Edited, reviewed&uploaded by Magino Pamella-KHEA Communications Officer-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya
Author: Pamella Magino
Ms. Magino Pamella joined PELUM Uganda on 1st Oct 2021 as Communications Officer for the KCOA-KHEA project. With 9+ years in Communications and Marketing, she specializes in Public Relations, Business Development, and Marketing. Pamella holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication (Public Relations) and is a Certified Member of PRAU. She has worked with organizations like The Nile Basin Initiative and Victoria University Kampala, crafting strategies that drive positive change.
