Parthenium hysterophorus: An invasive weed for nutritional enrichment of vermicompost

Purpose: Parthenium hysterophorus is a problematic weed that is difficult to manage or recycle. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative uses, such as vermicomposting with cow dung, for large-scale weed disposal. This study investigates the utilization of Parthenium mixed with cow dung in varying ratios through vermicomposting and assesses the final product. Method: Nine treatments replicated three times consisted of various ratios of Parthenium and cow dung: 0:1, 1:0, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 2:3, 1:5* (*Sun-dried) were used for vermicomposting. A 90-day experiment evaluated the growth and breeding of Eisenia fetida and the nutritional contents of the prepared vermicompost. Result:The body weight and population of Eisenia fetida increased significantly within 90 days of its inoculation in cow dung. Parthenium showed a deleterious effect on the biomass growth of Eisenia fetida. On the 90th day in the heap of Parthenium, the body weight of Eisenia fetida decreased significantly. However, the decrease was non-significant when Parthenium and cow dung were 2:3, i.e. 40% Parthenium in the substrates. This ratio was found to be the most suitable for vermicomposting. Besides the harmful effect of Parthenium on the growth and fecundity of Eisenia fetida, it showed various advantageous properties during vermicomposting. Substituting 40% cow dung with Parthenium in the vermicompost increased the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and micronutrients (zinc, iron, copper and manganese) concentration of the vermicompost. Conclusion: Overall, Parthenium can serve as an enrichment material for vermicomposting and an appropriate method for large-scale utilization and eradication of this weed. Highlights Parthenium hysterophorus are abundant in macro- and micronutrients. Parthenium- An enrichment material for vermicomposting. Parthenium-based vermicompost supports worm activity and casting Parthenium and cow dung (2:3) is an optimal substrate for vermicomposting. Parthenium harms growth and fecundity of Eisenia fetida