DipTerra LLC

DipTerra LLC updated their website address.

DipTerra LLC updated their address.

This photo shows how shredded wood chips used as a bulking agent can be layered atop catering waste as a means of attracting and inducing female adult Black Soldier flies (BSF) to deposit their egg clutches directly into the waste feedstock. Neonate larvae emerging from the egg clutches burrow down into the waste feedstock to feed and grow off the nutrients. By leaving catering waste inside a BSF propagation workstation layered with bulking agent in this manner it is possible to greatly amplify the population of larvae seeded into the waste feedstock while minimizing the amount of work required in building up a colony. Neonates emerging from the egg clutches carry the bulking agent into the waste feedstock as they burrow through the waste, mixing the bulking agent in with the waste feedstock, improving aeration and gas exchange, and through this action creating a more viable and dense colony of BSF inside the propagation workstation.

This picture shows the appearance of food scrap waste and BSF egg clutches deposited on the surface of the waste housed inside a BSF Propagation Bioreactor (PBR) on which BSF larvae have been feeding just before reloading of the unit with fresh waste. Egg clutches can be scraped from the walls and lids of the PBR and flicked directly into the waste. Young larvae will emerge within a few days from the egg clutches mixed in with the waste and begin growing in large numbers off the waste. Fresh waste added to the PBR can be layered over the surface of waste already present in the PBR. The addition of fresh waste layered into the PBR causes mating females to deposit their egg clutches along the walls and lids of the PBR in large numbers.

Neonatal BSF seeded and growing in fermented food waste stored inside a food waste container left inside a BSF Propagation (breeding) Workstation.

Propagation and breeding of BSF growing off food scrap can be markedly enhanced by storing fermented food waste in containers stored inside a propagation (breeding) workstation where mating adults can freely access the waste prior to its transfer into BSF bioreactors. Female adults attracted to the storage containers housing fermented waste spontaneously deposit large numbers of egg clutches around the perimeter of such storage containers. Newly emerging larvae (neonates) hatching from egg clutches easily find their way into and seed the waste, accelerating and amplifying the output of larvae growing off waste set aside for transfer into bioreactors. Egg clutches found around the perimeter of the containers at the time the waste is to be transferred into the bioreactors can be transferred simultaneously into the bioreactors as a means of further amplifying the larval output.

Adult female BSF deposited egg clutches on the perimeter wall of a BSF bioreactor housing fermented food waste

There is a growing body of evidence that the spent waste fraction (residual waste byproduct left behind after BSF larvae have grown off biodegradable wastes fed to them) recovered from BSF processed waste is of significant agricultural value as a soil amendment. These early albeit preliminary observations underscore the importance and need for additional research and field trials aimed at optimizing the beneficial effects of this byproduct on crop yields, understanding how it can be used to offset the cost of chemical fertilizers, and what impacts its use in farming operations may contribute toward the overall reduction of greenhouse gases linked with traditional farming practices. In researching this subject, it is important to keep in mind that the spent waste fraction is not only a potentially rich source of NPK and other essential micronutrients, but that it also accumulates salts and an alkaline pH due to the formation of ammonium carbonate and release of sodium, potassium, calcium and other alkaline earth elements released during mineralization of the larval processed waste. These must also be taken into account on adding and evaluating its effect on soil. To learn more see "BSF Spent Waste Impact on Soil pH, Salinity and Observations on its Plant Stimulatory Activity" at https://www.dipterra.com/blog/amending-bsf-spent-waste-byproducts-in-soil-effect-on-soil-ph-salinity

BSF Spent Waste Impact on Soil pH, Salinity and Observations on its Plant Stimulatory Activity There is abundant evidence that Black Soldier fly (BSF, H. illucens) processed residual vegetal and food waste (residual spent waste), and the BSF leachate fraction draining free from the latter, each rich in insect frass, applied to soil around the base of plants, or in the case of the leachate als...

This photo shows how a 17 gal commercial plastic tote can be modified with air and drainage holes added to its walls and base in creating a BR2 (secondary BSF) bioreactor (examples a - c), which can be nested inside a larger BR1 (primary BSF) bioreactor fabricated out of a 27 gal. plastic tote (example d). For more specific instructions see https://www.dipterra.com/blog/how-to-build-a-stand-alone-bsf-propagating-waste-testing-unit

This photo shows the fundamental elements of a BR1 (primary BSF bioreactor) fabricated out of a 27 gal. rectangular plastic tote including the drain needed for collection of BSF leachate produced as BSF feed off waste added to a BR2 (secondary BSF bioreactor) nested inside the BR1 unit. The combined BR1/BR2 "box-in-box" unit can be used to test how different waste formulations affect BSF growth, propagation, yield and conversion efficiency of the waste into larval products.

We have posted a new blog on our website regarding how to build a stand-alone BSF waste testing unit which can used to evaulate different formulations of food waste and their effect of BSF larval propagation, production and the feed conversion efficiency by which the waste is converted into BSF end products https://www.dipterra.com/blog/how-to-build-a-stand-alone-bsf-propagating-waste-testing-unit

How to Build a Stand-Alone BSF Waste Testing Unit A stand-alone Black Soldier Fly (BSF) propagation and waste recycling testing unit can be used for gaining experience in working with BSF grown off varying biodegradable waste formulations. The stand-alone unit comprised of a “box in a box” set of bins provides a means of growing larvae off wast...

Mixing bulking agents in with biodegradable waste feedstocks fed to larvae housed inside larval bioreactors is a very effective and simple way of improving aeration and drainage of the waste processed by larvae. This action also sharply reduces the generation of foul odors otherwise commonly experienced in working with larval bioreactors. To learn more see "Bulking Agents Mixed with Food Scrap | Effect on BSF Larval Propagation, Growth and Harvest" at https://www.dipterra.com/blog/bulking-agents-mixed-with-food-scrap-effect-on-bsf-larval-propagation-growth-and-harvest

Bulking Agents Mixed with Food Scrap | Effect on BSF Larval Propagation, Growth and Harvest Propagating, growing and harvesting BSF off food scrap waste can be challenging ... This blog reviews some important aspects regarding ... larval propagation, growth and harvests.

This photo shows a female Black Soldier fly depositing her egg clutches on the underside of a BSF bioreactor. Females typically prefer to deposit upwards of from 300 to 500 eggs in a clutch in dark corners and crevasses in close proximity to decaying waste. It is not uncommon to see a second and even third female deposit her egg clutches atop an earlier egg clutch deposit.

How likely is it that large scale commercial BSFL production is now economically viable as of 2019? What challenges need yet to be resolved? See comments at https://www.dipterra.com/blog/commercial-black-soldier-fly-bsf-production-in-2016-where-are-we-today

Commercial BSF Production in 2016 | Where Are We Today? ....This blog is a follow-up review and critique of the current state of BSF technology relating to the growing of larvae off wastes, especially with regard to commercial scale up of BSF production.

See some current practical challenges and hurdles concerning HACCP and foodborne safety issues in farming BSF larvae posted on our website at https://www.dipterra.com/blog/bsf-foodborne-safety-guidelines-not-yet-there-as-of-2019

BSF Foodborne Safety Guidelines | Not Yet There as of 2019 Since I last commented on the challenges of farming BSF larvae on a commercial scale back in 2016 ...There however are still a number of hurdles and challenges ...

Still not yet clear on how to grow BSF larvae on food scrap waste under steady-state conditions year-round? see comments section at https://www.dipterra.com/blog/black-soldier-fly-metrics-yields-scale-up-production-of-bsf?fbclid=IwAR3szrekyiYtdHwg2N4a-oJvX-DmqfCn23kT4bU93q2MSwzEO6t_KApYYWE

Black Soldier Fly Metrics & Yields| Scale Up Production of BSF ... This blog looks at (i) food scrap loading rates relative to BSFL processing space needed; (ii) cyclic fluctuations and average yields in BSFL production accompanying continuous operation of a BSFL facility; and (iii) the average feed conversion ratio associated with raising BSFL on food scrap wa...

Considering the economics and current state of farming BSF off food scrap waste, what options might be worth further exploration? See comments section at https://www.dipterra.com/blog/is-biofuel-from-black-soldier-fly-larvae-hype-you-decide

Is Biofuel from Black Soldier Fly Larvae Hype? | You Decide! ...This blog discusses proposed farming of Black Soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for biofuel production in the context of its practicality as a business venture.

It is better not to impose an artificial limit on food scrap waste load rates (WLRs) added to BSF larval bioreactors, or the larval density of larvae growing in bioreactors, in farming BSF off food scrap waste. There is no obvious upper limit on the density of larvae that can be grown in a larval bioreactor except at the physical limit of larvae packed side by side. The optimum WLR is a relative term. It is largely dependent upon the design of a bioreactor, its layout and practical considerations in the management of waste fed to larvae. A reliable (“optimum”) WLR is about 5 Kg/m2. This WLR can be substantially increased with experience and better management techniques. Larvae adjust to the conditions and availability of waste fed to them. With proper waste aeration, management of the waste temperature and design elements that allow larvae to move freely in and out of a bioreactor, there are no adverse outcomes on the growth of larvae at higher WLRs. Instances where larvae fail to thrive are largely associated with mismanagement of the waste and ensuing stressful conditions setting up which limit their growth. For more on this subject, see https://www.dipterra.com/blog/scaling-up-bsf-production-theoretical-and-practical-effect-of-bsf-bin-space-surface-area-and-food and follow up comments on this blog.

Scaling Up BSF Production | Theoretical and Practical Effect of BSF Bin Space Surface Area and Food .... This blog reviews some of the characteristics associated with BSF larval behavior, current theoretical limits on larval yield ... and issues relating to waste loading rates ...

Concrete anchors can be driven through PVC molding and trim board and on into a concrete floor or pad grip into the concrete upon passing into predrilled holes made in the concrete around the perimeter of the larval bioreactor defined by the position of the PVC molding and trim boards laid out atop a concrete floor or pad

Concrete anchors are especially suited for anchoring PVC molding and trim boards into a concrete floor or pad in creating a BSF larval bioreactor used in farming larvae off food scrap. The anchors can be easily driven through PVC molding and trim boards securing the molding and trim boards flush and firmly against the concrete floor or pad.

This photo shows a hammer drill fitted with a 3/16" concrete drill bit. The footprint of a BSF larval bioreactor can be defined on top of a concrete floor or pad by marking the position of the bioreactor walls in a rectangular or square shape in designing the layout of the bioreactor on the concrete floor or pad. Holes drilled strategically into the concrete to a depth of approximately 1" can then be made where PVC molding and trim boards need to be secured in creating an operating a bioreactor used in farming BSF larvae off food scrap waste.

It is possible to build efficient and scalable BSF larval bioreactors economically using readily available and inexpensive PVC exterior molding boards and trim directly atop concrete floors and pads. Larvae growing on and self-harvesting free of food scrap added to the bioreactors can be harvested in larval channel guides set up parallel with the walls of the bioreactors. For more information see https://www.dipterra.com/blog/farming-bsf-larvae-how-to-build-inexpensive-bsf-larval-bioreactors

Farming BSF Larvae |How to Build Inexpensive BSF Larval Bioreactors Farming Black Soldier fly (BSF) larvae off food scrap waste requires careful planning ... This blog describes how larval bioreactors can be built at low cost using commonly available materials ...

This image shows some larvae crawling about on the inside walls of a BSF Propagation Bioreactor (PBR) a few seconds after removal of the PBR's lid. Young larvae are photophobic and in a healthy colony they will rapidly, generally in less than 60 seconds or so, seek cover from light by burrowing down under the surface of the food scrap waste housed inside the PBR unit. In a healthy and well managed BSF Propagation Bioreactor (PBR), larvae growing in food scrap waste should not be seen in significant numbers on the top surface of the waste upon exposing the waste to light as shown in this image. Massive numbers of larvae growing and feeding on waste feedstock reside however just beneath the surface of the waste.

Many tens of thousands of BSF eggs can be collected by scraping a painter's or chemist's spatula around the edge of a BSF Propagation Bioreactor (PBR) and transferred with less than a minute into food scrap waste infested with larvae growing off waste using steady-state farming technology. Adult females lay their egg clutches around the perimeter of PBRs just beneath the lids of the PBRs. Egg clutches can be harvested in repetitive cycles every third or fourth day on a continuous basis week after week without ever interrupting propagation and growth of larvae inside the PBR.

Many thousands of BSF egg clutches can be recovered and flicked into PBRs used in commercially growing BSF larvae off food scrap waste. Eggs can be harvested just before reloading PBRs with food scrap waste loading cycle after loading cycle in farming BSF larvae grown off food scrap under steady-state conditions.

BSF egg clutches can be spread atop food scrap waste mixed with straw bulking agent just before adding another load of food scrap to the PBR using a common painter's spatula. Eggs and food scrap should be mixed and aerated immediately after deposition of the eggs atop the waste feedstock. Young larvae will emerge from the egg clutches and begin growing off the food scrap added to the PBR unit. This image shows the typical appearance of food scrap and bulking agent just before… See more

Large numbers of BSF egg clutches deposited by mating females can be collected within seconds from upper walls of Propagation Bioreactors (PBRs) simply and efficiently with minimal labor using a painter's spatula. The eggs can be transferred directly into food scrap waste mixed with straw bulking agent leaving new larvae to emerge and grow off food scrap waste added to the PBRs without any further labor input in managing the egg clutches.

Large numbers of BSF egg clutches are not only harvested by scraping the outer edges of PBRs where the lids rest atop the PBRs. They can also be found on the underside of the PBR lids. These eggs can be deposited using a painter's spatula directly into food scrap waste mixed with bulking agents in propagating and managing the efficient growth of large numbers of BSF