| dc.description.abstract | Black Soldier Fly (BSF) organic manure is new on the Ugandan market, and has been recommended as an alternative form of organic manure for crop production. However, the benefits accruing from using BSF organic manure for horticultural crop production have not been economically evaluated. This study was therefore, conducted to determine the agronomic and profitability potential of BSF organic manure in the production of horticultural crops, specifically cabbage in Uganda. A field trial was conducted in Makenke village, Gayaza Parish, Nangabo Sub-county, Wakiso district, Uganda, from October – November, 2022. The experiment was arranged in a Random Block design (RBD) with two treatments and four replications. The treatments included the application of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) organic manure and no application of BSF organic manure (the control). The test crop was Chinese cabbage (Brassica oleraceae, variety ‘Granaat’). Parameters assessed were plant growth and development, productivity and quality, and profitability. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA F), and the difference between means was determined at the 5% level of significance. Application of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) organic manure significantly (P>0.05) increased plant growth and development. Cabbages supplied with BSF organic manure were significantly (p>0.05) taller (46.05cm), developed more leaves (16/plant), developed bigger plant leaf area (11,505 cm2), and formed heads earlier ( at 77days). Contrary, cabbages grown without manure, were significantly shorter (37cm), with less leaves (13/plant), smaller plant leaf area (6,275cm2), and formed heads late (at 80 days). Application of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) organic manure had no significant (p<0.05) effect on yield and quality of cabbage, although higher yields (16.9 MT/acre) and better head quality (1.4 kg/head; 59 cm long; 14 cm diameter) were obtained, compared to where no manure was applied (95 MT/acre; 0.9 kg/head; 49 cm long; 12cm diameter). The substantial increase in all these parameters possibly stems from the direct benefits of the BSF organic manure (in ameliorating soil pH, nutrient content and availability) hence soil productivity. Similarly, application of BSF organic manure resulted into higher gross margin (UGX 8,327,500) compared to the control (UGX 7,795,500); attributed to the higher yields harvested from this treatment. However, application of BSF organic manure resulted into lower percentage profit of 37% compared to that of the control (54 %,). Diminished profits were attributed to, increased costs incurred on purchasing the manure. Nonetheless, a 37% profitability translates into UGX 8,267,280 /acre/season, which is acceptable. Although a one season trial, the beneficial and profitable attributes accruing from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) organic manure in cabbage production were evident. It was concluded that BSF manure potentially improves growth, development, and productivity (yield and quality), subsequently translating into higher gross margins and good percentage profits. Provisionally, BSF organic manure may be applied at 1 kg/plant, supplemented with application of phosphorous fertilizer for increased productivity. However, more investigations are required to determine the most profitable application rate for BSF organic manure in cabbage production. | en_US |
