In a pioneering waste-to-wealth initiative, the Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) has embarked on a dual-purpose project: converting the invasive aquatic weed salvinia molesta into nutrient-rich organic manure while simultaneously rejuvenating three ponds spread across 10 acres. These ponds had not undergone major clearance for at least six years.
Pond Restoration and Benefits
The restoration of these ponds, costing approximately Rs 14 lakh, aims to improve water retention, support groundwater recharge, and revive irrigation and campus fisheries, according to BAU officials.
Nutrient-Rich Weed for Agriculture
BAU Vice-Chancellor SC Dubey highlighted the agricultural potential of the weed. "The dry matter of salvinia molesta contains around 75% to 85% organic matter and a dense concentration of essential plant nutrients, making it an excellent candidate for agricultural recycling," he said. "The weed contains protein, carbohydrates, fibre, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which aid plant growth. Fresh salvinia molesta is 90% to 95% water and can decompose within two to three days, enabling rapid conversion into manure."
Ecological Decline and Infestation
The pond rejuvenation drive addresses severe ecological decline caused by the infestation. The fern forms a thick mat that blocks sunlight and oxygen, sharply reducing dissolved oxygen levels and harming native fish and aquatic plants. The pond system also suffered from heavy silt accumulation and a shrinking water spread area.
Progress and Future Plans
The largest pond on campus, spanning eight acres, has been cleared of approximately 300 trolleys of salvinia molesta. "Only the big pond has the salvinia infestation. This may mean that it reached here along with the seed of some other plant," Dr. Dubey noted. Work continues on the remaining ponds. "One small pond has also been cleared, and work is ongoing for the cleaning of the third pond. These ponds have a high infestation of water hyacinth. We are removing them as well and will also process it to make organic manure," the vice-chancellor added.
The initiative not only tackles the invasive weed problem but also creates valuable organic manure for campus farms, demonstrating a sustainable model for agricultural waste management.
