Analysis of Frass Excreted by Tenebrio molitor for Use as Fertilizer

Abstract

Insect production is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, as it presents a promising solution for the effective recycling of organic waste. The most abundant by-product of insect production is insect feces, scientifically known as 'frass'. Frass is produced in greater volumes than the actual insect products and therefore should be utilized in order to maintain a circular economy. Thus, this study focused on analyzing the potential of using frass from the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a fertilizer. Mineral analysis of frass was investigated using spectroscopic methods and in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, mineral content was found to be 3.3 %, 2.8 %, and 2.3 % respectively. These values were in cognition with values that were found in literature, meaning that the frass can be used as a fertilizer replacement or complement. The fertilizing ability of frass was also investigated and results showed the best harvest from soil treated with complement (frass and mineral fertilizer), followed by frass having quality seeds, then mineral fertilizer which had a relatively good yield, and lastly control which had no treatment of the soil. However, more research should be conducted, especially on the immunestimulating aspect of frass, to collaborate on the promising results obtained during this project.