Hail to the Soldier Fly: A Military-grade Breakthrough In Composting

Written by: Hyunseok Elliott Lee

    

    They may look as intimidating as any other bug does to the average human, but like all other insects, the soldier fly is capable of serving a beyond wonderful purpose in this world, perhaps one that may prove to be among the most beneficial to our Earth. 

    The black soldier fly, which resembles a sort of black wasp, originates from South America, but now generally exists along all continents. Only discovered in the early 20th century, the soldier fly was once seen as just another sub-species of insect, but further research proved they had a sort of power unique to themselves. In the 1950s, researchers discovered that the BSFs' larvae could decompose organic matter and green materials. Further research was done to ensure a process could be formulated, and from the 90s, official tests went underway, which further proved that soldier flies could be a potential new weapon for handling waste management, as the larvae were seen to significantly reduce organic waste volumes and convert it into valuable protein and fat, which could be used as animal feed. 

    The soldier fly stands out because of the contents which it breaks down, especially green matter with high nitrogen content. BSF composting is different from standard composting because you can include more processed materials and animal products, such as prepared food, produce, livestock manure, plant waste, and spent coffee grounds. Thus, it is now practiced widespread globally, with many international corporations also taking on the tactic. Encouragement is made for it to be practiced on an individual level as well, as it has proven to easily be possible according to the article below (Forestry.com). 

    The future of BSF composting is nothing but bright, as preparations are being made for it to be implemented on a governmental, or nationwide level. Though it won't be yet capable of making a major global impact this early from its inception, the BSF compost method is one that we can hope to develop into an influential one that may leave a large imprint, and be utilized to inspire more widespread methods as well. 

Forestry article: https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-create-your-own-black-soldier-fly-larvae-composting-bin-a-diy-guide/

Other incorporated articles:

https://www.undp.org/india/stories/hail-black-soldier-fly-turning-waste-animal-feed

https://directcompostsolutions.com/composting-with-black-soldier-flies/#:~:text=Composting%20with%20Black%20Soldier%20Flies%20produces%20leachate%20which%20seeps%20out,nutrients%20available%20for%20your%20plants.

Post written by Hyunseok Elliott Lee