Co-presence of black soldier fly frass, soil-biodegradable mulch films, and earthworms: effects on film biodegradation, ecotoxicity, and microbial community.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Soil-biodegradable mulch films (SBF) are used increasingly to enhance crop yields while addressing soil pollution and disposal issues. Another sustainable practice gaining attention is the use of soil amendments derived from waste, such as insect frass from Hermetia illucens. However, the combined effects of these elements on soil ecotoxicity and microbiota remain unclear. To investigate their impact, an incubation experiment was conducted, testing the presence/co-presence of a commercial SBF (10 g kg^-1), H. illucens frass (50 g kg^-1), and Eisenia fetida earthworms in 250 g of dry soil, maintained at 50% water-holding capacity.

Results

After 22 days, SBF biodegradation reached 9.5% but increased to 62% with H. illucens frass and 52% with E. f

SUBMITTER: Francioni M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12509052 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature