Harmanjit Kaur Goindi

Pitting Friends Against Foes: Weed Management by Vermicomposting Harmanjit Kaur Goindi

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is an invasive plant, a noxious weed, native to tropical America. It has now become a global major uncultivated and barren land weed and is reported as a danger to biodiversity and environment due to its rapid growth and fast distribution. It badly affects the germination and growth of several crops. Vermicomposting involves the bio-oxidation and stabilization of organic matter by the joint action of earthworms and microorganisms. Composted Parthenium contains high concentrations of elements i.e. N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn which increase the yield of many agricultural crops. Besides, Parthenium increases the quality of soil organic matter and balances the detrimental micro organism. The present study involves the management of weed Parthenium hysterophorus as manure by vermicomposting. A must read for farmers, and agriculturists.