Changes in Decomposition Rate and Ammonia Content upon the Addition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Poultry and Cow Manures

In this study, decomposition ability and ammonia content changes were evaluated when 4th instar black soldier fly (BSF) larvae were added to poultry and cow manures. The experimental setup included two treatment groups with three repetitions, and the addition ratios were as follows: 1) poultry manure group, 200 g of poultry manure + 40 g of 4th instar BSF larvae and 2) cow manure group, 200 g of cow manure + 40 g of 4th instar BSF larvae. The decomposition ability of the 4th instar BSF larvae showed similar trends in both treatment groups for up to 6 days. However, subsequently, an increased decomposition ability was observed in the poultry manure group. Lower ammonia levels were detected in the cow manure group, whereas higher nitrogen content was observed in the poultry manure group. These results align with our expectations and provide a representative reflection of the specific characteristics of the two types of manure. In addition, addressing livestock manure issues by processing 4th instar BSF larvae with poultry manure instead of cow manure appears to be a more viable solution for resolving environmental problems arising from livestock farming.