Enriched fertilizer

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of organic fertilizer and processes of producing the same.

Description

[0001] Enriched fertilizer

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to the field of organic fertilizers, and more specifically to an organic fertilizer comprising frass, wherein the fertilizer is enriched for nutrients, especially nitrogen in the form of protein as well as chitin.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Organic fertilizers comprising frass are known in the art. Such organic fertilizers can conveniently be used for all plants, for the lawn, for the vegetable garden, for the ornamental garden and for professional cultivation. Frass is an insect fertilizer derived from the faces and feed residues of insects, such as the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Typically, the larvae are grown on organic waste and ones the larvae are fully grown they are processed into animal food and the frass is used as or in fertilizer compositions.

[0006] There is however a need to further improve the nutritional value of the organic fertilizer using frass, especially to enhance protein, and therefore Nitrogen, and chitin content.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the invention provides for an organic fertilizer composition comprising: organic waste, frass, and larvae biomass, wherein the larvae biomass is from larvae grown in the organic waste and the larvae have been intentionally killed after growth to retain the larvae biomass in the fertilizer composition .In one embodiment, at least 50% of the larvae biomass is from intentionally killed larvae. In one embodiment, at least 10% of the larvae are larvae of a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens (the black soldier fly).

[0009] In one embodiment, the composition comprises at least 0.1 % w / w chitin. In one embodiment, the organic fertilizer further comprised compost.

[0010] In a second aspect, the invention provides for a process for the production of an organic fertilizer composition, comprising the steps of:

[0011] (i) providing organic waste,

[0012] (ii) introduce insect larvae or insect eggs into the organic waste,

[0013] (iii) cultivating the larvae for 5 to 15 days,

[0014] (iv) killing the larvae.

[0015] In one embodiment of the process as described herein further comprises a step of composting the composition obtained in step (iv). Optionally, the process as described herein further comprising one or more steps of: drying the material obtained, sieving the material obtained, and packaging the material obtained.

[0016] In one embodiment, the larvae are larvae of a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens (the black soldier fly) and / or wherein the insect eggs are from a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens. In one embodiment, the organic waste is one or more selected from the group consisting of: yard waste, food waste, sewage sludge, paper waste, cardboard waste, green waste, food package waste, crop residues, animal manure, aquaculture waste, crop waste, greenhouse waste, orchard waste, tea waste, tobacco waste, grain milling residues, slaughterhouse waste, dairy waste, bakery waste, brewery waste, seafood processing waste, egg processing waste, spice manufacturing waste, fruit processing waste, vegetable processing waste, cannery waste, juice manufacturing waste, beverage manufacturing waste, forestry residues, textile waste, algal waste, landscaping waste, fishing industry waste, waste from traditional crafts, healthcare waste, biomedical waste, laboratory waste, household waste, seasonal waste, event waste digestate from a Biodigester. In one embodiment, the larvae are killed mechanically, such as by shredding or squeezing, by deprivation of oxygen (e.g. suffocation) and / or by use of heat, gas or chemicals.

[0017] In a third aspect, there is provided for an organic fertilizer composition obtainable by the process according to the second aspect herein or obtainable by a process as set forth in the examples herein. In this aspect, the features are the features of the first and second aspect.

[0018] Description of the invention

[0019] In this document and in its claims, the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. In addition the verb “to consist” may be replaced by “to consist essentially of’ meaning that a product or a composition or a nucleic acid molecule or a peptide or polypeptide of a nucleic acid construct or vector or cell as defined herein may comprise additional component(s) than the ones specifically identified; said additional component(s) not altering the unique characteristic of the invention. In addition, reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article "a" or "an" thus usually means "at least one". The word “about” or “approximately” when used in association with a numerical value (e.g. about 10) preferably means that the value may be the given value (of 10) more or less 10% of the value.

[0020] All patent and literature references cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0021] Unless otherwise indicated each embodiment as described herein may be combined with another embodiment as described herein.

[0022] Fertilizer is a substance that can be added to soil to improve the growth of plants. Soil may not provide the essential nutrients that a plant needs for optimum growth and production. After a plant is placed in the soil, the plant can absorb nutrients in the soil as the plant grows. As the plant absorbs nutrients in the soil, the soil can become deficient of nutrients. Most fertilizers can be used to replenish the nutrients lacking in the soil. The inventors have established that the nutritional value of fertilizers can be substantially improved by the addition of larvae biomass. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention provides for an organic fertilizer composition comprising: organic waste, frass, and larvae biomass, wherein the larvae biomass is from larvae grown in the organic waste and the larvae have been intentionally killed after growth to retain the larvae biomass in the fertilizer composition.

[0023] As used herein, organic waste is any material that is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or an animal. Biodegradable waste is organic material that can be broken into carbon dioxide, methane or simple organic molecules. Examples of organic waste that can be used herein are given in Table 1 below. In the embodiments herein, a preferred organic waste is coffee pulp. In the embodiments herein a preferred organic waste is avocado waste such as avocado pulp, avocado skins, and avocado seeds or a mixture thereof. In the embodiments herein, a preferred organic waste is slaughterhouse waste, such as paunch or any other stomach / rumen content of the slaughtered livestock, and / or blood.

[0024] In the embodiments herein, the term “baby larvae” is to be understood as larvae which are preferably not older than 8 days calculated from hatching from the egg.

[0025] In the embodiments herein, the term “cultivating the larvae” is to be understood as feeding the larvae on the organic waste whereby the organic waste is ingested by the larvae and frass is excreted from the larvae.

[0026] The term “frass” is generally understood to refer to the excrement of insect larvae, unutilised feed substrate left by the insects, insect skins (exuviae) and dead insects or the refuse left behind by boring insects. In the context of the present invention, frass connotes a mixture that includes excretia of larvae, exuvia of larvae and other parts from other stages of development (including dead eggs, larvae, pupae or adults), indigestible material, for example fibrous or cellulose based material, other metabolic products, for example, hormones, antibiotics or enzymes, and other organisms associated with this organic mixture, such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa and yeasts.

[0027] The biomass as defined herein is preferably from an insect. The term insects in the context of the invention may refer to arthropods, mites, flies, and to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), in particular the larval stage thereof, house fly (Musca domestica), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor / _.), Lacewings (e.g. Chrysoperla carnea), lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), Coccinelid beetles (e.g. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), any species of predatory bugs (e.g. Macrolophus pygmaeus), other insects, such as pollinators (e.g. the onion fly, Delia antiqua) and any species of predatory beetles (e.g. the greenhouse rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria), as well as terrestric fly species. In one embodiment, least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50% of the biomass is from insect selected from the group consisting of: arthropods, mites, flies, and to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), in particular the larval stage thereof, house fly (Musca domestica), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.), Lacewings (e.g. Chrysoperla carnea), lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), Coccinelid beetles (e.g. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), any species of predatory bugs (e.g. Macrolophus pygmaeus), other insects, such as pollinators (e.g. the onion fly, Delia antiqua) and any species of predatory beetles (e.g. the greenhouse rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria), as well as terrestric fly species.

[0028] Preferred is the biomass composition according to the invention, wherein the insect is an insect larvae or insect pupae. The term “larva” or “larvae” as used herein preferably means the active immature form of an insect. The term “pupa” or “pupae” as used herein preferably means the immobile developmental stage of an insect before metamorphosis to the adult stage occurs. Typically, the larvae are at an age and stage of development shortly before turning into prepupae. Such larvae are at their maximum size and contents of valuable compounds such as fats and proteins is maximal. In preferred embodiments, the larvae from a species of Hermetia. More preferably the biomass is from a species of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) larvae.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, of the larvae are larvae of a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens.

[0030] The intentional killing of the larvae to create the biomass comprised in the organic fertilizer of the invention can be done by any of the standard methods described in the art for example by mechanical methods such as by shredding or squeezing, by deprivation of oxygen (e.g. suffocation) and / or by use of heat, gas or chemicals. In one embodiment, at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% of the larvae biomass is from intentionally killed larvae.

[0031] Table 1 : List of organic waste

[0032] Category Type Examples (including but not limited to)

[0033] Municipal Origin Yard Waste Grass clippings, leaves, tree branches, mulch

[0034] Food Waste Fruits and vegetable peels, meat scraps, expired dairy products, food waste from supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, leftovers from homes

[0035] Sewage Sludge Human waste, grease and oil, food particles in wastewater

[0036] Paper and Cardboard Newspaper, magazines, food-contaminated boxes Green Waste Garden waste, hedge trimmings, flower cuttings, weeds

[0037] Food Packaging Waxed paper, food-contaminated paper, compostable containers

[0038] Agro-Processing Crop Residues Wheat straw, corn stover, rice husks, sugarcane bagasse

[0039] Animal Manure Cow dung, chicken litter, pig manure, horse manure

[0040] Aquaculture Waste Fish excrement, dead fish, uneaten feed

[0041] Specialized Crop Waste Coffee pulp, cocoa shells and husks, olive pomace, tea waste, avocado pulp, oil seed and nut press-cakes (e.g. castor oil press cake)

[0042] Greenhouse Waste Plant clippings, unused seeds, old potting soil

[0043] Orchard Waste Fallen fruit, pruned branches, nut shells Tea and Tobacco Waste Tea leaves, tobacco leaves, stems Grain Milling Residues Bran, germ, husks, milling dust

[0044] Food Production Slaughterhouse Waste Animal bones, blood, organs, feathers, hides Dairy Waste Spoiled milk, butter whey, cheese curds

[0045] Bakery Waste Stale bread, unused dough, pastries

[0046] Brewery Spent grains, yeast sediment

[0047] Seafood Processing Fish heads, shrimp shells, fish scales, crab shells, fish

[0048] Waste offal, fish carcases

[0049] Egg Processing Waste Eggshells, cracked eggs, egg whites / yolks Spice Manufacturing Unused spices, spice dust, stems

[0050] Waste

[0051] Fruit and Vegetable Peels, seeds pulps, offcuts, spoilt fruits

[0052] Processing Waste

[0053] Cannery waste Discarded vegetables, fish trimmings, unused brine

[0054] Juice and Beverage Fruit pulp, citrus peels, apple pomace, spent coffee

[0055] Manufacturing grounds

[0056] Other Activities Forestry Residues Sawdust, wood chips, bark, branches, leaves, roots

[0057] Textile Waste Cotton scraps, wool trimmings, silk waste, natural fiber offcuts

[0058] Algal Biomass Spent algal cultures, dried algae

[0059] Landscaping Waste Mulch, decorative plants, grass trimmings

[0060] Fishing Industry Waste Nets made from organic material, discarded catch, shellfish waste

[0061] Waste from Traditional Straw, reed, bamboo, natural dyes

[0062] Crafts

[0063] Special Categories Healthcare and Organic materials from labs, discarded natural remedies

[0064] Biomedical Waste

[0065] Educational Institutions Laboratory waste (organic compounds), food waste from cafeterias, plant material from biology classes

[0066] Household Waste Cooking oils, pet waste, houseplant waste, organic cleaning materials

[0067] Seasonal and Holiday Waste Natural decorations (e.g., Christmas trees, pumpkins),

[0068] Event-Based wreaths

[0069] Event Waste Food waste from festivals, floral arrangements, natural fabric decorations

[0070] Chitin is a naturally occurring molecule found in the shells of crustaceans, the exoskeletons of insects, and other places. It is rich in nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and other vital minerals required for healthy microbial activity. The composition of the invention comprises larvae biomass is from intentionally killed larvae which results in a fertilizer composition having a high amount of chitin. Chitin has been described to have several benefits for plants such as increasing plant immunity, promoting beneficial microflora, increasing nutrient uptake and fortifying cells walls. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that in fertilizer described herein, the chitin enhances the growth of beneficial fungus which in turn reduces the growth of aflatoxin. In one embodiment, the composition as of the invention comprises at least 0.05% w / w, 0.06% w / w, 0.07% w / w, 0.08% w / w, 0.09% w / w, 0.1 % w / w, 0.15% w / w, 0.2% w / w, 0.25% w / w, 0.3% w / w, 0.35% w / w, 0.4% w / w, 0.45% w / w, 0.5% w / w, 0.55% w / w, 0.6% w / w, 0.65% w / w, 0.7% w / w, 0.75% w / w, 0.80% w / w, 0.85% w / w, 0.9% w / w, 0.95% w / w, 1 % w / w, 1.1 % w / w, 1 .2% w / w, 1 .3% w / w, 1 .4% w / w, 1 .5% w / w, 1 .6% w / w, 1 .7% w / w, 1 .8% w / w, 1 .9% w / w, 2% w / w chitin.

[0071] Plants can require six primary nutrients: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen can be supplied from the air and water. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can be supplied from fertilizer. Nitrogen can affect the growth and general health of the plant. Nitrogen can help make the proteins needed in order for the plant to produce new tissue. In addition to increasing the chitin content, the addition of the biomass of the larvae increases the amount of nitrogen in the composition. In one embodiment, the composition as of the invention comprises at least 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 ,...%w / w nitrogen. Preferably, the nitrogen content is about 2 -4 %w / w.

[0072] In addition to the six primary nutrients, plants and soil can require smaller amounts of micronutrients including calcium, magnesium, sulfate, boron, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, sodium, potash, and / or molybdenum. Accordingly, in one embodiment the organic fertilizer of the invention further comprises at least one of calcium, magnesium, sulfate, boron, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, sodium, potash, and molybdenum.

[0073] In one embodiment, the organic fertilizer as described herein further comprises compost. As used herein, compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter, like plant waste and manure that improves the composition of the soil by improving its structure, increasing its waterholding capacity, and adding beneficial microorganisms. The combination of fertilizer and compost can be used together to promote healthy soil and plant growth.

[0074] In the embodiments herein, the organic fertilizer preferably comprises at least 1 % (w / w), 1.5% (w / w), 2% (w / w), 2.5% (w / w), 3% (w / w). 3.5% (w / w), 4% (w / w), 4.5% (w / w), 5% (w / w), 5.5% (w / w) or at least 6% (w / w) larvae biomass from larvae that have been intentionally killed after growth to retain the larvae biomass in the fertilizer composition. In the embodiments herein, the ratio of larvae in the fertilizer composition is preferably depicted as dry larvae biomass in dry fertilizer composition. In the embodiments herein, the fertilizer composition preferably comprises larvae biomass and substantially no biomass from insects that emanated from the larvae, such as flies. Substantially no biomass from insects is herein to be construed as at most 0.5% (w / w), 0.4% (w / w), 0.3% (w / w), 0.2% (w / w), 0.1 % (w / w) and most preferably at most 0.05% (w / w). In the embodiments herein, the larvae biomass is preferably for at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or at least 99% composed of larvae that were cultivated in the organic waste.

[0075] In a second aspect, the invention provides for a process, for the production of an organic fertilizer composition, comprising the steps of:

[0076] (i) providing organic waste,

[0077] (ii) introducing insect larvae as described herein or insect eggs into the organic waste In one embodiment. Preferably the larvae are larvae of a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens (the black soldier fly) and / or wherein the insect eggs are from a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens.

[0078] (iii) cultivating the larvae. In one embodiment, the larvae are cultivated for about 5 to 15 days, preferably for about 8 to 12 days.

[0079] (iv) killing the larvae. In one embodiment, the larvae are intentionally killed.

[0080] In this aspect, the features are the features of the first and second aspect.

[0081] In one embodiment, the process according to the invention further comprises the step of composting the composition obtained in step (iv). The step of composting can be for example performed as follows: once the larvae have been killed, the frass and dead larvae are piled on windrows to fully decompose the mixture into a stable product. The process lasts about 2-3 weeks, with aeration every 2-3 days for acceleration (e.g. by turning with a compost turner). During this process, heat is generated due to increased microbial activities of breaking down the organic matter. Successful composting correlates with an initial increase in temperature, followed by a decrease in temperature due to lowered microbial activity towards the end of the composting phase. Implementing sensing devices to monitor parameters such as temperature, moisture, pH etc. may be used at this stage to determine the optimal turning and aeration frequency and the point in time once biological stability of the product is reached.

[0082] In one embodiment, the process as described herein further comprises one or more of the following steps: drying the material obtained, sieving the material obtained, and packaging the material obtained.

[0083] Optionally, after the composting step, the process further comprises drying the mixture to obtain any desired dry matter content. The dry matter content can vary depending on the desired application. Drying the obtained material can be performed by any method known in the art. For example, by spreading the decomposed mixture of frass and dead larvae out into a thinner layer and allowing it to dry under ambient conditions (e.g. under a greenhouse cover) or by actively drying through an industrial drying process.

[0084] In one embodiment, the process as described herein further comprises the step of sieving the organic fertilizer as obtained by said process. The sieving step can be performed to remain any remaining impurities. Regular testing for nutrient content, pathogens, and contaminants at this stage ensures the final product is of consistent, high-quality.

[0085] In one embodiment, the organic fertilizer as obtained by the process as described herein is packaged for further reselling. .

[0086] In one embodiment, the organic waste is one or more of the list provided in table 1. In one embodiment, the organic waste is one or more selected from the group consisting of: yard waste, food waste, sewage sludge, paper waste, cardboard waste, green waste, food package waste, crop residues, animal manure, aquaculture waste, crop waste, greenhouse waste, orchard waste, tea waste, tobacco waste, grain milling residues, slaughterhouse waste, dairy waste, bakery waste, brewery waste, seafood processing waste, egg processing waste, spice manufacturing waste, fruit processing waste, vegetable processing waste, cannery waste, juice manufacturing waste, beverage manufacturing waste, forestry residues, textile waste, algal waste, landscaping waste, fishing industry waste, waste from traditional crafts, healthcare waste, biomedical waste, laboratory waste, household waste, seasonal waste, event waste and digestate from a Biodigester.

[0087] In one embodiment, the larvae of the process are intentionally killed by standard methods described in the art for example by mechanical methods such as by shredding or squeezing, by deprivation of oxygen (e.g. suffocation) and / or by use of heat, gas or chemicals.

[0088] In a third aspect, there is provided for an organic fertilizer composition obtainable by the process according to the second aspect herein or obtainable by a process as set forth in the examples herein. In this aspect, the features are the features of the first and second aspect.

[0089] Examples

[0090] The following examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] The organic fertilizer (i.e. the supercharged fertilizer) as described herein was created at the KCCA Waste Recycling Plant in Kampala, Uganda. The process was carried out in a well-aerated greenhouse facility. The waste substrates were sourced from from Avolio Industries Ltd., located at Plot 500, Kazinga, Namanve Industrial Area, P.O. Box 103986, Kampala, Uganda.

[0093] Production of fertilizer

[0094] The waste of the first batch (batch 1) contained approximately 10 1 of avocado waste were collected, consisting mainly of defatted avocado pulp (50%), avocado skins (20%), and avocado seeds (30%). Additionally, biochar made from bamboo was sourced from Bamboo Uganda Limited. This biochar was mixed into the avocado waste at an inclusion rate of 5%.

[0095] The waste of the second batch (batch 2) contained mixed municipal solid waste from public markets in Kampala and biochar made from bamboo at an inclusion rate of 5%.

[0096] To initiate the bioconversion process, 2 kg of black soldier fly (BSF) baby larvae were introduced per metric tonne of the waste mixture. This amounted to a total of 20 kg of BSF baby larvae for the entire 10 1 batch. Next the larvae were reared for 10 days before initiating the suffocation process. The larvae were suffocated by placing a U.V. polysheet over the organic waste pile, the heat that is created by placing the U.V. sheet aids in killing the larvae. After suffocation, the waste is matured for another 7-14 days (wherein the waste is turned every 2 days) until heating is reduced to obtain the fertilizer. Finally, the fertilizer is dried for 7 days by spreading the fertilizer into a thin layer of about 15 cm. The fertilizer is turned after every other day. Sample collection

[0097] Once the supercharged fertilizer reached its final stage of production, samples were prepared for analysis to assess its nutrient composition and other key parameters. These samples were vacuum- sealed to maintain their integrity and were sent to Crop Nutrition Laboratory Services, Nairobi - Kenya.

[0098] The laboratory employed Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) devices specialized for soil testing to analyze the samples. This method was chosen for its ability to provide rapid, accurate results for a multitude of soil and compost parameters, including pH, Dry Matter content, Organic Matter content, NPK, and other plant nutrients. The results are presented in tables 2 and 3 below.

[0099] Table 2: Manure compost analysis

[0100] Table 3: Nutrient contribution per ton

[0101] These figures estimate the quantity of nutrients supplied per 1000 kg (1 ton) of this manure / compost applied each hectare of land. The calculation takes into account the material dry matter %, the nutrient content % result above, and an estimated nutrient release of 30% to the first crop. Example 2

[0102] Study Location and Duration

[0103] The experiment will be conducted in Kampala, Uganda. Three different types of organic waste substrates will be used: avocado pulp from an avocado oil production facility, coffee pulp from an Arabica coffee washing station, and mixed municipal solid waste from public markets in Kampala.

[0104] Experimental Set-up

[0105] To compare the effects of different composting methods on various types of feed substrates, a comprehensive experimental design will be employed. This design includes three main groups: untreated fresh waste substrates, the Supercharged Fertilizer Process, and Conventional Windrow Composting. These will be applied to three different types of feed substrates (Avocado Pulp, Coffee Pulp, and Mixed Municipal Waste). Each treatment-substrate combination will be replicated three times, as outlined in table 4:

[0106] Table 4: waste combination to be tested

[0107] Treatment Feed Substrate Number of Replicates

[0108] Untreated Fresh Waste Avocado Pulp 3

[0109] Untreated Fresh Waste Coffee Pulp 3

[0110] Untreated Fresh Waste Mixed Municipal Waste 3

[0111] Supercharged Fertilizer Avocado Pulp 3

[0112] Supercharged Fertilizer Coffee Pulp 3

[0113] Supercharged Fertilizer Mixed Municipal Waste 3

[0114] Supercharged Fertilizer Avocado Pulp 3

[0115] Supercharged Fertilizer Coffee Pulp 3

[0116] Supercharged Fertilizer Mixed Municipal Waste 3

[0117] Feed Substrate Collection

[0118] For each substrate, three batches of 2 metric tonnes will be collected directly from their respective sources. Initial samples will be taken from each untreated waste stream and will be sent to the wet lab for analysis to establish baseline data for the studied parameters.

[0119] Treatment Procedures

[0120] Production Fertilizer Process

[0121] The supercharged fertilizer process will be conducted in a well-aerated greenhouse structure with a concrete floor. The process will consist of five main steps:

[0122] 1 . Primary Bioconversion and Larval Introduction: Black soldier fly (BSF) baby larvae will be introduced to the waste for bioconversion into Trass' at a rate of 2 kg per 1 t of substrate (Duration: 10 days). 2. Larval Termination: The larvae will be terminated, enriching the compost (Duration: 3 days).

[0123] 3. Secondary Decomposition: The trass will undergo further decomposition (Duration: 2 weeks).

[0124] 4. Drying Phase: The decomposed material will be spread out for drying inside the greenhouse (Duration: 4 days).

[0125] Conventional Windrow Composting

[0126] Conventional composting will be conducted on a concrete floor in an open space. Organic waste will be arranged in windrows with initial heights between 1 and 2 meters and widths between 2 and 3 meters. The windrows will be turned manually using spades, 1-2 times per week depending on the substrate type for a period of 2-3 weeks. Temperature and moisture levels will be regularly monitored. After the initial composting period, the material will be left to mature for 4-5 months, followed by screening to remove large particles or contaminants.

[0127] Sample Collection and Analysis

[0128] For each replicate, a pooled sample will be obtained by taking approximately one spade full of substrate from different locations within each pile. These locations will include the centre, middle, and top layers of the compost or waste pile. Initial samples of untreated fresh waste substrates will be collected at the beginning of the experiment for each feed substrate type. All collected samples will be vacuum-sealed, and sent for lab analysis. Analysis will be conducted according to the official AOAC methodology. Parameters to be analyzed will include:

[0129] • pH levels

[0130] • Dry matter content

[0131] • Organic matter content

[0132] • Total NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium)

[0133] • Fraction of total Nitrogen present as Ammonia (NH3) and as Nitrate (NO3-)

[0134] Statistical Analysis

[0135] Each batch for each substrate will act as a replicate for the respective treatment, resulting in three replicates for each condition. Data will be subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the significant effects of the composting methods on the measured parameters.

Claims

Claims1 . An organic fertilizer composition comprising: organic waste, frass, and larvae biomass, wherein the larvae biomass is from larvae grown in the organic waste and the larvae have been intentionally killed after growth to retain the larvae biomass in the fertilizer composition.

2. An organic fertilizer composition according to claim 1 , wherein at least 50% of the larvae biomass is from intentionally killed larvae.

3. An organic fertilizer composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.1 % w / w chitin.

4. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising compost.

5. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least 10% of the larvae are larvae of a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens (the black soldier fly).

6. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the organic fertilizer comprises at least 1 % (w / w) larvae biomass from larvae that have been intentionally killed after growth to retain the larvae biomass in the fertilizer composition.

7. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fertilizer composition comprises larvae biomass and substantially no biomass from insects that emanated from the larvae, such as flies.

8. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the larvae biomass is preferably for at least 50% (w / w) composed of larvae that were cultivated in the organic waste.

9. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the organic waste is coffee waste such as coffee pulp and / or avocado waste such as avocado pulp, avocado skins, and avocado seeds.

10. A process for the production of an organic fertilizer composition, comprising the steps of:(i) providing organic waste,(ii) introduce insect larvae or insect eggs into the organic waste,(iii) cultivating the larvae for 5 to 15 days,(iv) killing the larvae.

11. A process according to claim 10, further comprising a step of composting the composition obtained in step (iv).

12. A process according to claim 10 or 11 , further comprising one or more steps of: drying the material obtained, sieving the material obtained, and packaging the material obtained.

13. A process according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the larvae are larvae of a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens (the black soldier fly) and / or wherein the insect eggs are from a species of Hermetia, preferably Hermetia illucens.

14. A process according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the organic waste is one or more selected from the group consisting of: yard waste, food waste, sewage sludge, paper waste, cardboard waste, green waste, food package waste, crop residues, animal manure, aquaculture waste, crop waste, greenhouse waste, orchard waste, tea waste, tobacco waste, grain milling residues, slaughterhouse waste, dairy waste, bakery waste, brewery waste, seafood processing waste, egg processing waste, spice manufacturing waste, fruit processing waste, vegetable processing waste, cannery waste, juice manufacturing waste, beverage manufacturing waste, forestry residues, textile waste, algal waste, landscaping waste, fishing industry waste, waste from traditional crafts, healthcare waste, biomedical waste, laboratory waste, household waste, seasonal waste, event waste digestate from a Biodigester.

15. A process according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the larvae are killed mechanically, such as by shredding or squeezing, by deprivation of oxygen (e.g. suffocation) and / or by use of heat, gas or chemicals.

16. A process according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the organic fertilizer comprises at least 1 % (w / w) larvae biomass from larvae that have been intentionally killed after growth to retain the larvae biomass in the fertilizer composition.

17. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the fertilizer composition comprises larvae biomass and substantially no biomass from insects that emanated from the larvae, such as flies.

18. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the larvae biomass is preferably for at least 50% (w / w) composed of larvae that were cultivated in the organic waste.

19. An organic fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the organic waste is coffee waste such as coffee pulp and / or avocado waste such as avocado pulp, avocado skins, and avocado seeds.

20. An organic fertilizer composition obtainable by the process according to any one of claims 10 to 19.

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