The potential of frass as a microbiome-based soil amendment

Industrial-scale production of protein from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has emerged as an efficient and sustainable alternative to wild harvesting or large animal farming. The principal waste product, called frass, has plant growth-enhancing properties exceeding those explained from primary nutrient (e.g., N,P,K) profiles, but how does frass confer these growth enhancing properties upon plants? We hypothesize that viable bacteria persist in the dried granular product and that some of these viable bacteria can colonize soils and, in turn the roots of crop plants where they can form beneficial symbiotic associations. In Part 1 of this research, we propose to use using DNA sequencing techniques to test the effect of larval diet on the microbial community in the frass. In Part 2 we will experimentally test whether we can introduce bacteria into the larval feedstock to further improve frass’ plant growth enhancing properties.

Faculty Supervisor:

Cory Bishop

Student:

Partner:

Oberland Agriscience

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

St. Francis Xavier University

Program: