The Value of Insect Droppings in Agriculture
ARS researchers in Fayetteville, AR, are helping farmers by studying the value of insect droppings in agriculture. About 30 to 40% of food produced in agriculture is wasted in the U.S., which results in about $161 billion in losses each year. Insect meal from insects fed waste is one solution to address agricultural waste. Farmers raise and breed insects to be an alternative protein source for animal feed. The insect farming industry is projected to grow 28% annually and have an estimated market value of $8 billion by 2030.
ARS researchers at the Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit in Fayetteville are helping insect farmers by studying the benefits of insects as well as their droppings, commonly known as insect “frass.” Researchers found that insect meal produced from insects who feed on waste can serve as a high protein animal feed. Insects can also produce a high value manure, which can provide a valuable organic fertilizer and create a circular economy for rural U.S. Insect production and the associated products, including frass, may represent an underutilized opportunity for organic manure and contribute to improved soil health in agricultural production systems.
Publication:
Insect frass fertilizer as soil amendment for improved forage and soil health in circular systems
