The Possibilities of Using Non-Traditional Raw Materials for Fertilizing Products

Goda Gudinskaitė () and Rasa Paleckienė
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Goda Gudinskaitė: Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
Rasa Paleckienė: Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-20

Abstract: In recent years, the Green Deal has become a cornerstone of the European Union’s development strategy, aiming to establish a sustainable, innovative and environmentally friendly economy. One of its primary goals is to reduce the negative impact of intensive farming by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These practices include replacing synthetic fertilizers with more natural alternatives and substituting chemical plant protection products with biological solutions. A noteworthy prospect in this context is the growing insect farming industry, which opens up new possibilities for the food industry via waste processing. In Lithuania, insect farming is also expanding rapidly, with companies producing several hundred tons of frass (insect excrement and residues from growing media) every year. As insect farming is projected to increase rapidly over the next decade, the amount of frass produced will also increase. Therefore, it is necessary to find sustainable ways to use this byproduct. Frass is emerging as an important area of research and practical innovation with great potential for fertilizer production. Initial studies show that frass can contain up to 6% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus and 3% potassium, making it a valuable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. The chitin content (nearly 14%) in frass not only improves the soil but also improves plant resistance to disease. In addition, its organic composition improves soil structure and microbiological activity, contributing in the long term to increasing soil fertility. This paper analyses different samples of frass, assesses their physical and chemical properties and discusses the possible applications of these products in the context of sustainable agriculture. The studies show that frass can be a valuable raw material for fertilizer production, potentially reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and contributing to the reduction in agricultural waste. By combining economic benefits with ecological sustainability, this research contributes to wider sustainable agricultural innovation.

Keywords: mealworms; Tenebrio molitor; frass; fertilizers; extraction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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