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3 January 2024 Insect frass composition and potential use as an organic fertilizer in circular economies
Helen C.S. Amorim, Amanda J. Ashworth, Komala Arsi, M. Guadalupe Rojas, Juan A. Morales-Ramos, Annie Donoghue, Kelsy Robinson
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Abstract

Insect manure or “frass” has emerged as an alternative nutrient source for alleviating the dependence on fossil fuel-based fertilizers, reducing food waste, and promoting food security. Yet, research on insect frass chemical composition is in its infancy. Here, we assessed the chemical properties of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) frass compared with poultry litter (PL). Insect frass was obtained from the National Biological Control Laboratory (NBCL; IF-L) and an insect-rearing company (IF-C). PL was collected from facilities in Arkansas (PL-AR) and North Carolina (PL-NC). Samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, macro- and micronutrients, heavy metals, pathogens, and indicator microorganisms. On average, insect frass had 43% and 47% higher C and N than PL, respectively (P < 0.05). Considering a 5 mg/ha application rate, IF-C can supply 159 kg N/ha, twice the N supply of PL-AR (78 kg/ha). IF-L had a 53% higher P supply than PL-NC. Mean K, Ca, S, and micronutrient contents were higher in PL than in frass (P < 0.05), whereas As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were nearly absent in frass. Chemical composition and pathogens in fertilizer sources were largely affected by insect-rearing substrate and supplements used in poultry and insect production. Insect frass utilized in this study had optimum C and N rates relative to PL, suggesting a promising soil amendment for improving soil health and C sequestration, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural intensification and reuse of food waste in circular economies.

Graphical Abstract

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Helen C.S. Amorim, Amanda J. Ashworth, Komala Arsi, M. Guadalupe Rojas, Juan A. Morales-Ramos, Annie Donoghue, and Kelsy Robinson "Insect frass composition and potential use as an organic fertilizer in circular economies," Journal of Economic Entomology 117(4), 1261-1268, (3 January 2024). https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toad234
Received: 23 October 2023; Accepted: 5 December 2023; Published: 3 January 2024
JOURNAL ARTICLE
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KEYWORDS
animal manure
nutrient supply
Product safety
sustainable intensification
value-added product
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