Black soldier fly compost enhances productivity and postharvest quality of tomato in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Tomato production in Ghana is constrained by low yields and high postharvest losses. While mineral fertilizers are essential, their use is hindered by rising costs, limited availability, and distribution challenges. This study evaluated Black Soldier Fly (BSF) compost as a sustainable alternative to enhance tomato yield and quality. A field experiment was conducted across two growing seasons in three locations within the semi-arid northern part of Ghana, using a randomized complete block design with seven fertilizer treatments, including BSF compost, ACARP commercial compost, NPK, BSF + ACARP, BSF compost + NPK, ACARP compost + NPK, and control with no fertilizer applied. Tomato growth, fruit yield, plant biomass, water use efficiency (WUE), plant health index (PHI), economic returns, fruit nutrient content, and postharvest quality were assessed. In 2024, BSF + NPK and BSF alone showed the highest biomass content, while BSF + NPK recorded the highest WUE in both years. BSF + NPK resulted in the highest yield increase compared to the control, with an improvement of 81.7% in 2023 and 191.6% in 2024. BSF compost treatments consistently gave the highest net income, benefit cost ratio and return on investment across seasons. PHI was highest in sole BSF compost and BSF compost + NPK. BSF compost also improved lycopene, vitamin C, shelf life, and reduced microbial spoilage of tomato. BSF compost, especially when combined with reduced mineral fertilizer, significantly improves tomato yield and postharvest quality, which offers a climate-smart, circular solution for boosting sustainable vegetable production across West Africa.

Keywords

• Organic fertilizer
• Soil amendment
• Circular agriculture
• Vegetable farming
• Post-harvest quality
• Sustainable agriculture