Residual Effects of the Application of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Waste on Soil Chemical properties and Tomato Performance

Low soil fertility is a challenge that affects tomato production among farmers in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria. To overcome this challenge, a greenhouse study at the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka evaluated the residual effects of black soldier fly larvae waste (BSFLW) application on soil chemical properties and tomato performance. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomised design. The treatments, BSFLW10 (BSFLW applied at 10 t ha-1), BSFLW20 (20 ha-1), BSFLW30 (30 ha-1), 400 kg ha-1NPK 15:15:15 and Control, were replicated five times. The test soil (0-15cm) was dried, sieved and weighed 5 kg into potting bags. Afterwards, tomato seedlings were transplanted into the treated pots. Results show that BSFLW-treated pots had 2-15.5%, 23-39%, 14.7-58.8% and 33.7-44.8% higher soil pH, total N, available phosphorus and organic carbon than the control pot, respectively. Treatments application significantly (p ≤0.05) enhanced tomato growth and yield. The treated soil had 37.4-55.6%, 49.7-73.9%, and 53.4-65.1% higher number of leaves and fruits, and fruit weight than the control, respectively. The BSFLW application has promising effects on soil properties and tomato performance. Further field studies are needed to evaluate the effects of BSFLW application on soil properties and tomato performance before r recommend appropriate application rate to farmers.