Establishing Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Sustainable Feed Source in Floriculture Aquaponics

Commodities

• Additional Plants: cut flowers

Practices

• Animal Production: aquaculture
• Crop Production: greenhouses
• Production Systems: aquaponics, hydroponics

This project will evaluate Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable, on-farm fish feed for Floraponics, a Maryland-based aquaponic floriculture operation that grows cut flowers using fish-powered nutrient cycling. Our focus is on creating a closed-loop system where floral biomass waste is converted into BSFL, which are then used to feed the fish that fertilize the plants-reducing both waste and reliance on commercial feed.

The objectives are to:

1. Demonstrate the feasibility of producing BSFL on floral waste streams from
Floraponics' greenhouse operations.

2. Compare the nutritional composition of BSFL meal to standard aquaculture feed,
focusing on protein, lipid, and micronutrient profiles.

3. Assess fish growth, health, and water nutrient quality when BSFL are used as
a primary or supplemental feed.

The study will include small-scale BSFL rearing trials using floral biomass as substrate, nutrient analyses of larvae and feed samples, and aquaponic system performance monitoring. Findings will determine whether BSFL can enhance the nutrient efficiency and sustainability of integrated floriculture systems. Outreach will include a field day at Floraponics' greenhouse, demonstration videos, social media and website updates, and collaboration with the University of Maryland Extension to share results with other growers. By establishing a replicable model for BSFL-based feed production, this project aims to advance circular resource use and improve farm profitability in aquaponic and floriculture systems across the Northeast.

Project Objectives and Activities

This project evaluates whether floral biomass from Floraponics' aquaponic greenhouse can be converted into Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and whether those larvae can serve as a nutritionally viable fish feed that supports fish performance and nutrient cycling. The objectives are intentionally simple, measurable, and tightly aligned with planned activities.

Objective 1 - Determine the feasibility and efficiency of producing BSFL using floral biomass waste.

Activities:
1.1 Collect weekly floral waste from the Floraponics greenhouse.
1.2 Establish BSFL bins in an on-farm climate-controlled space.
1.3 Record environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, substrate moisture).
1.4 Measure waste reduction rates (% mass converted), larval yield (g of larvae/kg
substrate), and time to maturity.
Expected Data: Substrate conversion efficiency, larval biomass produced, and production
stability.

Objective 2 - Compare the nutritional composition of BSFL meal to Floraponics' standard commercial fish feed.

Activities:
2.1 Harvest larvae from Objective 1 and dry or freeze larvae for analysis.
2.2 Conduct proximate analyses (crude protein, fat, ash, moisture), mineral analysis (Ca:P
ratio), and fatty acid profiling (omega-3 content).
2.3 Compare laboratory data to nutritional specifications of the current commercial feed.
Expected Data: Nutrient profiles that determine whether BSFL can replace or supplement
commercial diets.

Objective 3 - Evaluate fish performance, water quality, and plant nutrient availability when BSFL are used as partial or full feed replacement.

Activities:
3.1 Design a feeding study with three groups: (A) 100% commercial feed, (B) 100% BSFL,
(C) 50:50 feed blend.
3.2 Measure fish growth rates (g/week), feed conversion ratio, survival, and fish behavior.
3.3 Monitor aquaponic water quality (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, DO, pH).
3.4 Track downstream plant nutrient availability by recording DWC nutrient levels.
3.5 Record any changes in flower growth or stem vigor associated with altered nutrient
flows.
Expected Data: Effects of BSFL diets on fish productivity and nutrient cycling within the
aquaponics system.

Objective 4 - Share results with farmers and floriculture/aquaponics practitioners.

Activities:
4.1 Host an on-farm field day demonstrating BSFL bins, fish feeding trials, and system
impacts.
4.2 Produce a digital factsheet summarizing methods, data, and recommendations.
4.3 Share video updates, data summaries, and photos through social media and the
Floraponics website.
4.4 Coordinate with University of Maryland Extension for broader grower distribution.
Expected Data: Number of participants reached, engagement metrics, and stakeholder
feedback.

Timeline Summary
Months 1-2: Set up BSFL units; begin floral-waste substrate trials.
Months 3-5: Optimize BSFL production; measure yield and waste conversion.
Months 5-7: Conduct nutritional analyses of larvae.
Months 7-10: Implement fish feeding experiment and collect water-quality data.
Months 10-12: Analyze results, draft outreach materials, and host field day.

Potential Challenges & Risk Awareness
Temperature sensitivity of BSFL: Mitigated through indoor, insulated rearing bins.
Variable floral-waste composition: Addressed by testing standardized biomass blends. Fish refusal of novel feed: Introduce BSFL gradually and include mixed-diet treatment.
Seasonal plant demand changes: Ensure a continuous biomass supply from staggered crop production.
Analytical delays: Use multiple laboratory partners if needed.