EMABET ASEFA2026-02-182023-11https://etd.hu.edu.et/handle/123456789/919In Ethiopia, soil fertility and crop production are influenced by various agronomic practices. However, increasing crop production without disrupting the environment is one of the main challanges. Application of organic fertilizers such sas manure, compost, bioslurry and frass can be an alternative solution for sustainable farming. This study evaluated the comparative effects of black soldier fly larvae frass (BSFF), bioslurry (BS) and chemical fertilizer (CF) on maize and Swiss chard agronomic performances and soil properties. Maize and Swiss chard were used as test crops. The treatments were 7.5 t ha-1 BSFF and BS, 100 kg ha-1 CF and the control for maize and 10.3 t ha-1 BSFF and BS, 100 kg ha-1 CF and the control for Swiss chard. The treatments of both experiments were arranged in a randomized compelet block design with three replications. Data related to agronomic parameters of both crops were collected and analyzed using SAS software. Physicochemical properties of BSFF, BS, and pre and post experimental soil samples were analyzed. Results showed that the application of all fertilizer improved the agronomic performance of both crops. The application of BSFF to maize reduced the average number of days to reach tasseling, silking and physiological maturity. It also resulted in significantly (p<0.05) larger maize plant height (218 cm), total biomass (20.4 t ha-1 ) and larger grain yield (4 t ha-1 ) compared to the control. Moreover, the BSFF treatment resulted in significantly (p<0.05) larger Swiss chard plant height (72 cm) and leaf fresh weight (125 t/ha-1 ) compared to the BS, CF and the control. BSFF and BS improved soil pH, bulk density and porosity. Soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity of the soil were improved with the applications of BSFF and BS. Overall, the results of the study demonstrated that BSFF is an effective organic fertilizer for maize and Swiss chard production and soil health. However, since the experiment was done only for one season and at one study site, similar experiments should be carried out for over several seasons and locations to make a more conclusive recommendation.en-USbioslurryblack soldier fly frassmaizesoil fertilitySwiss chardThesis