Invasive plant species for compost production: Review of environmental and economic insights

Invasive plant species pose significant ecological and economic challenges, threatening biodiversity and altering soil properties, while conventional control methods are often costly and resource-intensive. This review examines the potential of composting invasive plant biomass as a viable and sustainable alternative that aligns with circular economy principles. Invasive plant biomass can contain up to 2%-3% nitrogen, 1%-2% phosphorus, and 2%-5% potassium, making it a nutrient-rich organic soil amendment that can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers by up to 30% in terms of cost, enhance soil health, and improve crop growth. Despite these benefits, many challenges remain, including the persistence of allelopathic chemicals, viable seeds, and regulatory complexities. This review also identifies critical research gaps, scalability of composting technologies, and socio-economic implications while also addressing the regulatory frameworks needed to enable its safe and practical application. Additionally, it explores opportunities for green job creation and policy innovation. In conclusion, overcoming these gaps is essential to unlocking the full potential of invasive plant composting as a viable and sustainable waste management strategy.