Liquid Organic Fertilizer Derived from Black Soldier Fly Frass Improve Yield and Quality of Tropical Vegetables, Shallot, and RedHot Chili Peppers

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 Directorate of Policy Evaluation for Research, Technology and Innovation, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Thamrin No 08. Central Jakarta, Indonesia

2 Research Centre for Horticultural and Estate Crops, Research Organization of Agriculture and Food, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong Science Centre, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor, Cibinong, Indonesia

3 Research Centre for Social Welfare, Village and Connectivity, Research Organization of Governance, Economy and Community Welfare, The National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Gedung Sasana Widya Sarwono, Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 10, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia

4 Research Centre for Applied Microbiology, Research Organization of Life Science and Environment, The National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor KM. 46, Cibinong, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigated the innovative potential of black soldier fly (BSF) frass as a potassium source and its suitability as a raw material for liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of LOF on the growth and yield of shallots and chili peppers. The research took place in Lembang, West Java, Indonesia, with the first experiment running from September to December 2022 and the second from March to December 2023. The first experiment, a pot study, used a factorial design with nine shallot varieties and three LOF application rates. The second experiment, a field study, examined two factors: the LOF application method and its dosage. Results indicated that shallot growth and yield varied by variety, with ‘Bima Brebes’ and ‘Lansuna’ producing the highest yields. LOF application improved shallot biomass, increased total soluble solids in ‘Batu Ijo’ and ‘Tajuk’, and boosted vitamin C levels in ‘Batu Ijo’ and ‘Maja’. Additionally, applying LOF at rates of 5–10 mL L-1 increased the marketable yield of chili peppers, while higher rates reduced unmarketable yield. In conclusion, BSF frass appeared as a promising source of liquid organic fertilizer as it enhanced vegetable growth, yield, and quality when applied at rates of 5–10 mL L-1.

Keywords

International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology
Volume 12, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 479-490

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 11 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 14 August 2024

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