Organic fertilization using insect-derived compost offers an innovative pathway to sustainable and circular horticulture. This study evaluated the effect of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) frass compost on soil nutrient levels and tomato productivity under semi-arid tropical conditions in Ghana. A field experiment was conducted across two growing seasons in three locations within Ghana, using a randomized complete block design with seven fertilizer treatments, including control with no amendment, 200 kg ha−1 of NPK, 10 t ha−1 of commercial compost from Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP), 10 t ha−1 BSF compost, 5 t ha−1 ACARP compost + 100 kg ha−1 NPK, 5 t ha−1 BSF compost + 100 kg ha−1 NPK and 5 t ha−1 ACARP compost + 5 t ha−1 BSF compost. Results showed that BSF compost + NPK treatment achieved the highest yields (17 t ha⁻¹), outperforming other treatments. Sole BSF compost application increased soil organic carbon (+21 %), available nitrogen (+86 %), and available phosphorus (+33 %) relative to the control. BSF compost + NPK treatment improved nitrogen recovery efficiency (52 %) and reduced nitrogen losses by 24.6 %. Soil quality index analysis further revealed localized hotspots of improved soil fertility in BSF compost-treated plots. These findings position BSF compost as a climate-friendly input for integrated nutrient management and more sustainable vegetable production in semi-arid agroecosystems.
