Beta Frass
A natural, sustainable fertiliser
What is Beta Frass?
Our Beta Frass is the remaining biomass from BSFL production, called frass, and is unique to BSFL with tremendous potential as a natural, sustainable fertiliser/soil amendment and source of plant nutrition, as well as use in animal feed applications.
Frass is the residual substrate left behind after removing all of the larvae. This is available once they have finished feeding and there are prepupae starting to develop. As the frass is a by-product of the BSFL, it consists of exoskeletons, larvae castings (digested feed) and residual feed and is packed full of micro and macronutrients. The frass is a universal, chemical-free, nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be used on farms, gardens, house plants, soils, flowers and vegetables. BSF Frass is found to have much higher nutrient levels than other insect frass such as worm castings and contains proteins that other fertilizers do not have, like Chitin.
BSFL produce ammonia during feeding, this can also be beneficial in the frass as microorganisms within the soil can break down the ammonia into nitrogen. This allows an extra source of nitrogen available to the plants and protecting them from destructive nematodes in the soil.
Coco peat, rice bran or similar products can be added to help absorb any excess moisture. Coco peat can even be added to the feed substrates as the BSF larvae do not tend to eat it and it helps stabilise high moisture in certain feed items such as fruit. Frass which has a high moisture content at the end of the feeding stage, can have a drying substrate added to help dewater or the frass can be allowed to evaporate its own moisture buy placing it in a hot environment with low humidity.
Proper storage of Beta Frass needs to be ensured at the end to keep it from getting wet, with a recommended sealed container to avoid moisture getting in.
What is Chitin?
As the BSFL break down the feed substrate they release the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium within the decaying feed and absorb as much of the nutrients as they release into the frass. As exoskeletons are a big part of the frass makeup, they contain chitin.
Chitin is the protein found in the exoskeletons as they shed multiple times through their different life stages within the feed. Plants can sense the presence of chitin and instinctively produce defences against insect infestations, producing stronger healthier plants.
Frass Legislation
The EU have defined frass in its legislation 2021/1925 and given specific instructions as to how it needs to be treated. This has been done on the request of IPIFF (International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed).
Beta Bugs continue to work closely with UK and EU regulatory bodies on any updates to allow frass its much-needed attention.
What does Beta Frass do?
Boosts plants’ natural defence systems, as Frass contains Chitin, a glucose derivative found in insect exoskeleton.
Pre-charges soil with microbial colonies enabling gradual release of nitrogen.
Promotes healthy plant growth by adding moulted insect skins to soil.
Who is it for?
Anyone looking for a natural, chemical-free fertiliser
Anone aiming to boost growth of flowers, leafy plants, vegetables and fruits
Anyone vying to improve soil conditions and provide natural nutrients
How to store and use Beta Frass
To use the frass, the dry product can be used and mixed straight into the soil or substrate around plants/veg/shrubs.
Add water to frass substrate and let it stew for a few minutes and water the soil/substrate over plants. Do this approx. 2-3 times a month.
- Storage – Store in a cool, dry area
- Packaging – Various packaging options available upon request
- Can be added directly to your topsoil in the recommended quantity of 0.5 kg/20 sq. ft. prior to planting
- Added as a blend with dechlorinated water