Frass: The future of vineyard fertilization?

A new project in Barossa Valley, Australia, led by viticulturist Tammy Schutz in collaboration with Mobius Farms, is exploring an innovative fertilization method for vineyards using black soldier fly larvae. The initiative aims to transform winery waste into a natural fertilizer called frass, produced from the organic material consumed by the larvae.

Schutz, a fifth-generation viticulturist, began researching alternative methods to improve sustainability in her vineyard. In her search, she connected with Mobius Farms, a local business run by Jeannine and Chris Malcolm, which already used black soldier fly larvae to convert food waste into products for the agricultural and pet food industries. Now, both parties are collaborating to assess frass's potential in viticulture.

Mobius Farms processes approximately half a ton of food waste per week, producing around 100 kilos of larvae and 250 kilos of frass. Their raw materials come from the horticultural sector in Adelaide Plains, where millions of tons of fruits and vegetables go to waste each year.

Matthias Salomon, a scientist at the University of Adelaide, is studying frass's properties and its effects on plant growth. He explains that this natural fertilizer contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with chitin, a compound found in insect exoskeletons. Previous research suggests that chitin enhances plant resistance to diseases and improves root development.

Schutz is continuing trials in her vineyard and hopes that frass will help strengthen vines during dry seasons. She believes that if the fertilizer improves soil biology, the vines could better absorb water and nutrients, which would be beneficial in addressing climate change challenges as well as current market fluctuations.