Wrocław University researcher develops fertilizer from insect waste

Dr. Daniel Szopa from the Wrocław University of Science and Technology has developed a method to convert insect farming waste into a valuable liquid biostimulant for plants. This innovation addresses the challenge of managing larval and protein waste that cannot be used for animal feed or human consumption.

The process utilizes chemical hydrolysis with specific acid mixtures to completely break down protein matter from larval, fish, or meat residues. After neutralizing the hydrolysate with potassium hydroxide, the resulting product contains essential macro- and microelements. The final liquid fertilizer provides free amino acids and short peptides that act as strong biostimulants for plants, supporting a circular economy by reducing waste volume and repurposing it for agriculture.