Impacts of inclusion rates of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus), larva on the timing of thermophilic stage composting in dairy solids

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has recently been heralded as novel
composting tool that can close the loop on agricultural systems. Additionally, the frass
produced by black soldier fly larvae has been gaining interest as a source of plant nutrients
which are rich with anti-microbial peptides. Dairy solids, the dry manure and bedding
removed from cattle enclosures, is an abundant agricultural biproduct that can benefit
from black soldier fly composting. However, proper heat sterilization is generally required
to eliminate pathogens, like salmonella, before it can be applied as a plant nutrient. Our
study evaluated the impacts of three inclusion rates (none, moderate, and high) of black
soldier fly larve on the development of a thermophilic state in composting dairy solids. We
additionally evaluated the impacts of temperature vs antimicrobial rich frass content on
the sanitization of Salmonella from dairy solids. Results and implications for composting
and food safety are discussed.