UTILIZATION OF BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAL SHELLS AND FRASS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SOLID AND LIQUID FERTILIZERS AND THEIR APPLICATION TO CHILI CULTIVATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33579/krvtk.v11i1.6529Keywords:
Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Frass fertilizer, Larva shells, Exuviae, ChiliAbstract
This research explores the utilization of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) frass and larval shells (exuviae) as primary materials for producing both solid and liquid organic fertilizers, and assesses their influence on the growth and productivity of chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments: control (P0), NPK fertilizer (P1), solid BSF frass fertilizer (P2), and fermented liquid fertilizer made from BSF frass and larval shells (P3). Observed parameters included plant height, leaf number, fresh fruit weight, and post-harvest soil nitrogen content. Results revealed that the P3 treatment substantially improved plant performance compared to the other treatments, showing an average increase of 61,9% in height and 128% in fruit weight relative to the control (p<0.05). Additionally, soil nitrogen levels rose by 68%, indicating that BSF-based fertilizers enhance nutrient availability and promote soil microbial activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrating BSF frass and larval shells into fertilizer formulations presents an environmentally friendly and effective alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers for sustainable chili cultivation.
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