Assessment of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval compost liquor fed on food waste in cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)

This study evaluated the impact of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) compost liquor on the growth of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) using hydroponic culture.Pure water has been mixed with different amounts of compost liquor(5-30%), along with pure water as a control, to assess the growth parameters of cowpea seedlings.The growth parameters were the best at 15%, followed by 20% combinations.A 15% combination at 24 days showed significantly enhanced plant weight, root biomass, root length, number of root nodules, early flowering, and pod setting.The results of BSFL compost liquor resemble those of vermiwash of earthworms.However, the production of BSFL compost liquor is easier than vermiwash, as the composting ability of BSFL is very rapid.The present study supports the possibility of vertically forming desired herbs by hydroponics using the compost liquor of BSFL.This compost liquor also serves as a foliar spray because it contains several plant growth-promoting nutrients.In view of plant conservation, this hydroponic technique could be employed to grow medicinal plants, especially those that have active principles in their roots.