Composts Prepared from Roadside Weeds as Potential Source of Soil NPK: A Pro-Environmental Solution for Restoration of Degraded Lands.

The management of weeds and replenishment of soil is a relevant issue. This study investigates the potential of composts prepared from roadside weeds as a sustainable solution for soil nutrient replenishment and weed management. Compost prepared from four common roadside weeds of NE India--Ageratum conyzoides, Galinsoga parviflora, Mikania micrantha, and Tithonia diversifolia -- were added to degraded soils and the changes in Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) levels were measured using Kjeldahl method, Bray No. 1 Extract method and Flame Photometer respectively with results demon-strating a significant increase in soil NPK levels upon higher compost application. Tithonia diversifolia exhibits the highest nutrient enrichment followed by Mikania micrantha, Ageratum conyzoides and Galinsoga parviflora. This study highlights the effectiveness of composts from roadside weeds in enhancing soil fertility and presents a pro-environmental strategy for restoring degraded lands while managing invasive plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]