Net income from corn grown on plots treated with black soldier fly larvae fertilizer was 29-44% higher than corn grown on plots treated with commercial organic fertilizer. In addition, the presence of chitin in black soldier fly larvae also helps promote plant development and trigger plant defenses. Even the smallest amounts of BSFL chitin applied to plants can promote growth, produce more flowers and seeds, and attract more pollinators. BSFL is rich in beneficial microorganisms such as nitrifying and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, making nitrogen available for plant uptake. Nitrogen-fixing and nitrifying bacteria are critical because nitrogen fixation is a limiting nutrient in most ecosystems, and the assimilation of nitrates into plant roots makes the soil more resistant to flooding, drought, and land degradation.