Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Frass Organic Fertilizer Improves Soil Quality and the Productivity of Durum Wheat

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hermetia illucens L. known as Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is gaining worldwide interest as the most prevalent species in insect farming. In the current study, we evaluated under greenhouse conditions, the comparative performance of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) frass as an organic fertilizer and a traditional organic amendment: cow manure (CM), on soil rhizosphere properties and durum wheat agro-morphological, physiological, and yield parameters. Both organic fertilizers were applied at doses of 7.5 t/ha (BSFL7.5 and CM7.5), 15 t/ha (BSFL15 and CM15) and 30 t/ha (BSFL30 and CM30). The results showed that applying BSFL frass with 7.5 and 15 t/ha had an acidifying as well as a desalination effect on soil compared to CM. The highest mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents were recorded in soils receiving 30 t/ha of BSFL frass. Microbial biomass was found to be improved by applying the lowest doses of BSFL frass. Durum wheat plants grown in pots treated with BSFL frass had the highest height, dry root weight, and chlorophyll indicators. The PCA analysis identified grain yield, yield component, and soil nutrients as major drivers for the variability among samples. Our results highlight the potential of BSFL frass to improve soil health and wheat yields in an environmentelly-friendly way.