Effect of black soldier fly larval frass on the soil microbial communities, nutrient uptake and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract

Hermetia illucens L., commonly referred to as the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), is gaining a huge surge of global interest as the predominant species within the domain of insect husbandry. The present study was conducted out at the Horticulture garden, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Telangana, India, during the rabi season of 2023-24 to examine the effect of black soldier fly larval frass when compared to vermicompost in combination with inorganic fertilizers and their combination on the yield parameters of radish. Experiment contained eight treatments and replicated thrice. The results showed that application of 75% RDN + 25% N through black soldier fly larval frass showed maximum uptake of nutrients and yield by radish and found to be on par with 5% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost and RDF.