Insect Poop (Frass) for Soil Health
Insect poop may not be the most attractive topic, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health and fertility. That's why we organised a webinar with Temidayo Paul Aturu last Friday to explore the potential of using it as a sustainable option for soil health.
What is insect frass?
Insects do poop, but we call their poop "frass." In fact, insect frass is often referred to as "nature's best fertilizer" due to its rich nutrient content and ability to improve soil structure. When insects consume plant material, they break it down into simpler compounds through their digestive processes. As a result, the frass they excrete is packed with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients like calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are readily available for plants to absorb, promoting healthy growth and development.
Soil health and weed/pest control
In addition to its nutrient content, insect frass also helps improve soil structure. As it decomposes, it releases organic matter that helps to build soil structure and enhance water retention. This, in turn, creates a more hospitable environment for beneficial soil organisms like earthworms and microorganisms, which further contribute to soil health. Insect frass has been shown to suppress plant diseases and pests due to its natural insecticidal properties. The compounds present in frass can act as a deterrent to harmful pests and pathogens, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to gardening and farming.
How to make it?
So, how can you harness the power of insect frass in your own garden or farm? One option is to attract beneficial insects to your garden, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which will naturally deposit their frass as they feed on pests. You can also consider purchasing insect frass from specialty retailers to use as a top dressing or soil amendment. Insect frass may not be the most glamorous of topics, but its benefits for soil health and plant growth are undeniable. By incorporating this natural fertilizer into your gardening or farming practices, you can improve soil fertility, enhance plant growth, and promote a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to agriculture. So next time you come across some insect droppings in your garden, remember that it's not just waste – it's nature's best fertilizer.