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Scientific Article details

Title Insect frass in the development of sustainable agriculture. A review
ID_Doc 8590
Authors Poveda, J
Title Insect frass in the development of sustainable agriculture. A review
Year 2021
Published Agronomy For Sustainable Development, 41.0, 1
DOI 10.1007/s13593-020-00656-x
Abstract Given the current rate of human population growth, the mass breeding of insects for feed and food is in full industrial development, as a more efficient and effective alternative to conventional livestock for the production of animal protein. In these industries, the production of insect excreta (frass) represents one of the main outputs of the process, being up to 40 times greater than the production of animal biomass, which is why its use as organic fertilizer to replace the use of agrochemicals is considered a viable alternative in the development of sustainable agriculture and a circular economy. Through a review of all the existing literature, this article highlights the following benefits of the use of insect frass as organic fertilizer in sustainable agriculture: (1) contribution of nutrients to the soil, mainly nitrogen, easily assimilated by plant tissues; (2) addition of biomolecules and microorganisms that promote plant growth; and (3) increased tolerance to abiotic stresses and resistance to pathogens and pests due to the presence of different compounds and microorganisms. Therefore, insect frass from the mass breeding of insects for feed and food represents an important source of effective organic fertilizer for use in sustainable agriculture.
Author Keywords Insect frass; Fertilizer; Sustainable agriculture; Nitrogen; Plant growth; Mealworm
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000608030600003
WoS Category Agronomy; Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Research Area Agriculture; Science & Technology - Other Topics
PDF https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13593-020-00656-x.pdf
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