Research Article Open Access

POSSIBLE USES OF PARTHENIUM - AN AGRICULTURAL WASTE

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorusa perennial weed commonly called as carrot weed, congress grass, etc.and one of the ten feared noxious weed species in the world. It is considered as extremely prolific weed and worst in crop cultivation. It is harmful to all the living beings; it has nearly destroyed all the useful crops and plants, even though growing near to it. It is known to cause asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis, and hay fever in man and livestock. However, the plant has positive qualities. The Parthenium has medicinal value viz. Homeopathic, Allopathic and some traditional. As a weed crop it has a property to absorb more and more nutrients from the soil and hence, it is rich in nutrients. Uprooting of the plant in early stage, i.e. before flowering from field and burying it in soil produce superior quality organic manure.To assess the manurial value of Parthenium and its composting value, a composting experiment was conducted and compared with other organic wastes, it proved its superiority. Some insecticidal and pesticidal properties have also been reported. The sub-species of Parthenium are also found beneficial in various ways. Hence besides burning or destroying Parthenium, it’s a better way of eradicating it and utilize for better crop production.

MAHESH G. BHOYAR AND OMKAR J. GAVKARE

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