Insect production, especially mealworms, has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential to provide sustainable solutions to the agricultural sector.
According to a study published in Naturethe excrement of this insect proved to be as effective as NPK mineral fertilizers.
The mealworm
The mealworm is the larval stage of the insect The Dark One.
This small beetle is not only rich in protein, but also has great potential to revolutionize agriculture in a circular economy context.
This is achieved through the production of excrement with a high value as a source of organic fertilization.
In Spain, although it is not yet marketed for human consumption, there is already one of the mealworm production plants largest in the world, located in Salamanca.
The breeding of T. molitor has increased considerably due to the growing demand for alternative proteins and their low environmental impact.
Producing animal protein with less methane and ammonia emissions, and with reduced water consumption, represents a viable and sustainable alternative.
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The frass is the “very valuable” resource that comes from this insect, the The Dark One. (Foto: Pexels)
Frass: the excrement with great potential
The byproduct of the breeding process T. molitor It is a mixture of larval excrement, undigested food remains and fragments of exoskeletons.
This combination, known as “frass,” is a very valuable resource for agriculture due to its physicochemical and microbiological composition.
Composition and nutrients
Frass contains a high macronutrient content, comparable or even superior to other organic fertilizers such as slurry and manure.
This makes it a effective source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for cropswith great potential to totally or partially replace conventional mineral fertilizers.
Unlike many mineral fertilizers, frass is a rich source of micronutrients such as manganese, iron, zinc, copper and boron.
Its low moisture content (approximately 10%) facilitates its handling and storage, making it more stable than other organic waste.
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Benefits and breakdown
Frass is characterized by its rapid decomposition, which allows it to mineralize faster than other organic fertilizers once applied to the soil.
Thanks to its high labile carbon content, it stimulates soil microbial activity and promotes the decomposition of native organic matter, increasing microbial biomass and soil fertility.
Frass microbiota and its benefits
From a microbiological point of view, frass is very interesting because contains beneficial bacteria and fungi which can improve the growth and health of crops.
These microorganisms are capable of solubilizing phosphate and potassium from the soil, as well as biologically fixing nitrogen, increasing the availability of nutrients for plants.
Additionally, some of these microorganisms produce hormones that stimulate plant development and help crops resist abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity.
Also can activate plant defenses against pathogenswhich contributes to the protection of crops.
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Earrings and future of the frass
The application of animal excreta is subject to sanitation treatments to eliminate microorganisms harmful to human health.
In the case of frass, the application of high temperatures can eliminate pathogens and many of the beneficial microorganisms.
Therefore, it is essential to develop alternative sanitizing treatments that allow you to take advantage of the full potential of frass.
Furthermore, the composition of the frass microbiota varies depending on the diet of the frass larvae. T. molitorwhich indicates that the feeding of these insects during breeding influences the quality of the resulting fertilizer.
Analysis of the surface of the frass demonstrates the number of elements in each 25 μM. In Figure 3 the graph shows the dynamics of carbon and nitrogen mineralization of the frass. (Photo: Nature)
The use of excrement T. molitor It is an efficient and sustainable alternative for crop fertilization; In addition, it has the potential to promote more resilient agriculture.
Although more research is still needed on production conditions and sanitation treatments, frass represents an innovative solution to improve soil fertility and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Fuentes: Nature / theconversation
