Insect-derived frass and chitin-rich waste as sustainable crop fertilisers and biostimulants

Overview

This research investigates the agricultural value of by-products generated by Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) reared on agro-food industry by-products for protein meal production. The study focuses on two waste streams: larval frass, evaluated as a potential fertiliser to replace chemical crop protection compounds, and chitin-rich material from dead adults and pupal exuviae, assessed for biostimulating and insecticidal activity. Together, these applications represent an efficient, low-impact circular economy model that transforms insect rearing waste into valuable inputs for sustainable agriculture.

Technical specifications

• Larval frass as fertiliser: Direct application of insect-derived frass to crops to evaluate its fertilising activity and potential to replace synthetic chemical compounds in crop protection.
• Chitin-rich waste valorisation: Evaluation of biostimulating and insecticidal properties of pupal exuviae and dead adults, which are naturally rich in chitin.
• Circular economy framework: Hermetia illucens larvae feed on agro-food industry by-products, producing protein meal while generating secondary products of high biological and economic value.
• Ecological crop protection: The approach aims to protect crops through biological mechanisms rather than synthetic chemicals.

Technology readiness level

The research is at an early validation stage, with proposed evaluation procedures focused on directly applying insect-derived frass to crops and testing the biostimulating and insecticidal activity of chitin-rich waste materials. Future validation plans include expanded field and laboratory assessments to confirm efficacy as fertilisers and crop protection agents.