BSFF: Organic fertilizer for soil improvement

Low cost fertilizer for healthy and profitable agriculture for African farmers.

Frass is a compost derived from black soldier fly (BSFL) larvae treatment of biodegradable wastes. In a commercial context, BSFF often refers to a mixture of primarily BSFL faeces, substrate residues, shed BSFL exoskeletons, and a microbial population that carries out fermentation. One of the primary reasons for the high value placed on BSF frass is its nutrient-rich composition. Packed with essential soluble nutrients like nitrogen (1.7 to 1.9%), phosphorus (from 1.0 to 2.5%), potassium, and micronutrients. Organic matter content (C/N ratio) of BSFL frass derived from different types of food may range from 8:1 to 27:1.

This technology is pre-validated.

8•7

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 7/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

The technology creates job opportunities and encourages youth to innovate in sustainable agricultural practices and waste management.

The poor: Positive high

Low-cost organic fertilizer improves farm profitability and promotes sustainable farming practices, contributing to food security.

Under 18: Positive medium

Reducing organic waste contributes to a healthier environment and promotes well-being.

Women: Positive medium

Access to affordable organic fertilizer enhances crop yields and income while empowering women in agricultural decision-making.

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

BSFF technology enhances soil health and resilience, contributing to improved agricultural adaptability in the face of climate change.

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

BSFF technology enhances farmers’ ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

The integration of organic fertilizers supports diverse microbial life in the soil, promoting overall biodiversity within agricultural systems.

Carbon footprint: A bit less carbon released

It contributes to lower carbon emissions through reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improved waste management practices.

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

The technology minimizes waste accumulation and pollution, leading to healthier ecosystems and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Soil quality: Improves soil health and fertility

BSFF fertilizer enriches soil with essential nutrients and organic matter, improving soil structure and fertility over time.

Water use: Much less water used

The use of organic fertilizer from BSFF reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can lead to better water quality and reduced runoff.

Problem

Lack of efficient and cost-effective solutions for organic waste management in Africa contributes to increasing environmental and health challenges.
A significant portion of biodegradable waste (37% in landfills, 33% in open dumps) poses severe environmental risks, such as soil and water contamination.
Soil erosion in Sub-Saharan Africa is a major factor leading to stagnant or declining agricultural productivity.
Nutrient imbalances in smallholder farms, where more nutrients are removed than replenished, further degrade soil fertility.

Solution

Efficient Organic Waste Management: BSFF technology provides a sustainable and cost-effective method for managing organic waste by converting biodegradable materials into nutrient-rich compost, reducing reliance on landfills and open dumps.
Reducing Environmental Contamination: By processing organic waste, BSFF technology mitigates the risk of soil and water contamination from improper waste disposal, contributing to a healthier environment.
Soil Fertility Improvement: The frass produced by BSFF technology is rich in essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), which helps restore soil fertility and address nutrient imbalances in smallholder farms.
Combatting Soil Erosion: The application of BSFF frass improves soil structure and organic matter content, enhancing its capacity to resist erosion and support sustainable agricultural productivity.

Key points to design your project

BSFF Technology offers significant benefits aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Gender Equality, and Climate Resilience. By effectively managing organic waste and producing nutrient-rich fertilizer, it enhances soil fertility, promotes food security, and supports local economies. The technology encourages sustainable waste management practices that contribute to environmental health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To successfully integrate BSFF technology into your project, consider the following activities and prerequisites:

Conduct Training Sessions: Organize workshops for farmers to demonstrate the benefits of using BSFF fertilizer, including its nutrient-rich composition and role in improving crop yields.
Facilitate Access: Ensure equitable access to BSFF technology by collaborating with local suppliers and providing technical assistance to smallholder farmers, thus encouraging investment in sustainable practices.
Assess Fertilizer Requirements: Calculate the amount of BSFF fertilizer needed for your project, considering soil analyses to determine specific nutrient needs and application rates based on soil type.
Provide Support and Resources: Offer training and ongoing support for implementing BSFF technology, including resources like informational materials, guides, and best practices for fertilizer application.
Create Communication Materials: Develop informative materials to effectively communicate the advantages and application methods of BSFF technology.

Collaborate with agricultural development organizations to facilitate the adoption and scaling of BSFF technology, ensuring successful integration into farming practices in your region.

Cost: $$$ 3 USD

Per 50kg bag

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Benin	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Ghana	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Mali	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Niger	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Nigeria	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Togo	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 2: zero hunger

It enhances soil fertility and crop yields, contributing to food security and improved nutrition.

Goal 3: good health and well-being

By reducing chemical fertilizer use, BSFF technology promotes healthier food production and lessens environmental toxins.

Goal 12: responsible production and consumption

It supports sustainable waste management practices, transforming organic waste into valuable fertilizers.

Goal 15: life on land

The use of organic fertilizers fosters biodiversity and helps maintain healthy ecosystems, promoting land sustainability.

Application Guidelines: BSFF fertilizer is recommended for fruits and vegetables, with an optimal application rate of 10 tons per hectare for poor soils. It can be used as base manure or applied after transplanting, depending on the crop's cultivation practices.
Soil-Specific Considerations: Fertilizer application should account for nutrient recovery rates, soil natural fertility, and organic matter content. Soil analyses are essential to tailor application rates to specific farms or regions with similar soil types.

Last updated on 6 November 2024