10 - Resource recovery and value addition of terrestrial weeds through vermicomposting

Abstract

Weeds are classed as those unwanted plants which grow in an undesirable place. Weeds which grow on land are termed as terrestrial weeds. The major problem lies in the generation of weed biomass after physical, mechanical or any other eradication practice for the management of terrestrial weeds. The complete eradication is not possible and the ultimate fate of the weed biomass is a waste stream. Terrestrial weed biomass can be categorized under organic waste from natural sources. The recycling of organic waste into a value added product is always preferable and it is a prerequisite of proper management of these terrestrial weeds for economical and environmental benefits. Vermicomposting is one of such technologies that transform organic waste into a quality end product with the help of earthworms. Vermicompost is rich in plant nutrients and categorized under organic fertilizer. Today in the global economy, demand of organic fertilizer is very high in the purview of sustainable development. The terrestrial weeds Ageratum conyzoides and Parthenium hysterophorus have been studied for resource recovery from the weed biomass. The different proportion of each weed with cow dung has been processed through vermicomposting. The enhanced nutrient was observed in the final vermicompost for all the weeds. The highest Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) was observed for Parthenium hysterophorus with 2.83 percent whereas the other essential plant growth elements Total phosphorus (TP) and Potassium (K) was observed highest for Parthenium hysterophorus and Ageratum conyzoides with 10.91 g/kg and 3.93 percent respectively. The maturity of the vermicompost adds value to it for further application. The final C/N ratio for all the weeds are under recommended value of <20. Thus, the management of terrestrial weeds through vermicomposting can be a promising method as it is considered cost-effective, environment-friendly technology for resource recovery from organic wastes.