Black Soldier Fly Larva (Hermetia illucens) Frass vs. Red Wiggler (Eisenia fetida) Castings on (Capsicum annum) “Early Jalapeno” Seedling Growth.

Abstract

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) Hermetia illucens have shown some promising signs in their ability to rapidly process organic waste into a usable organic frass input. However, little is known about the effectiveness of the frass, when compared to biofertilizers produced by other organic waste consumers, such as, red wiggler worms (RW) Eisenia fetida. This study compared the waste consumption rate, compost nutrient concentration, and compost application by BSFL and RW on jalapeno seedlings. The BSFL was shown to consume organic waste at a clearly higher rate than RW, while producing compost with higher N, P, K nutrient concentrations. Furthermore, an application test showed BSFL compost generating more seedling growth than a control with no biofertilizer. However, with no additional maturing processes the BSFL compost was not as effective for seedling growth, when compared to its RW biofertilizer counterpart.