Blatticomposting – A perspective on cockroach-mediated waste valorization to nutrient-rich organic fertilizer for enhancing soil health

Abstract

Improper management and disposal of waste from industries, agriculture, households and forests contribute to environmental and soil pollution, health risks and disease outbreaks, nutrients loss and greenhouse gases production. Traditionally, organic wastes have been managed through landfill, incineration, composting, vermicomposting, and biomethanization. Blatticomposting, an emerging method, is being recognized as an environmentally friendly, cost-effective technology with resilience to harsh conditions. In blatticomposting of organic waste, cockroaches, along with their gut microbes, play a crucial role in nutrient recovery and the mineralization of organic waste into blatticompost. Although research on cockroaches dates back far into history, their significance in waste management has recently gained recognition. Hence, this perspective substantiates the potential of cockroaches as an emerging technology in the bioconversion of organic wastes into insect frass known as blatticompost. Here, we discussed the attributes of cockroaches as omnivorous feeders, their merits in waste conversion, and the limitations. We demonstrate the agronomic and environmental benefits of blatticompost, as well as the biological and physiological properties that influence the waste conversion cycle, the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soils, and enhance nutrient cycling. We propose methods to enhance and expand the use of cockroaches in waste management on a large scale. Our analysis reveals that cockroaches are effective composters, and their frass is a valuable organic fertilizer that can contribute to soil health and environmental sustainability.