Researchers at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station have found that waste from insect farming can improve soil health and reduce pest damage in soybean crops.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Quality, examined black soldier fly frass—a byproduct of insect farming—as a soil amendment. Results showed the material performed as well as chicken litter in improving soil conditions, even when applied in smaller quantities.
Black soldier flies can consume various types of agricultural waste, producing protein for animal feed while simultaneously reducing landfill accumulation. With insect farming projected to produce millions of tons of insects in coming years, the research offers potential agricultural applications for the industry’s byproducts.
The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. More details about the study are available on the experiment station’s website.
