Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

POTENTIAL USE OF PARTHENIUM (PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS L.) AS COMPOST

R.D. Chitale and B.S. Mali

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus L., being a declared invasive weed is threatening the biodiversity and human health in several areas of India. Several researchers have documented the allelopathic effect of this weed. Therefore, Parthenium management would remain a great concern of the century. However, several studies proposed that Parthenium can be used as a green manure, compost, soil ameliorate that may improve physical, chemical and biological properties of the soils and is a source of readily available plant nutrients. To assess the manurial value of Parthenium and its composting value, a composting experiment was conducted and compared with other organic wastes. Appreciable quantity of nutrients in Parthenium can be utilized to nourish the crops after composting. Hence besides burning or destroying Parthenium, it’s a better way of eradicating is through exploit utilization for better crop production.