Effect of compost of Parthenium hysterophorus on seed germination and survival of radish (Raphanus sativus): a comparative study

Seed germination and survival of radish ( Raphanus sativus) in soil affected with inorganic chemical fertilizers and in Parthenium compost was observed and a comparative study was made. Synthetic chemical fertilizers are indiscriminately used these days, which have several deleterious long term effects on environment and human health. Nitrogen and phosphate-based synthetic fertilizers leach into groundwater, causing water pollution. They also damage the natural makeup of soil in the long term. Therefore, integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients will not only supply essential nutrients to the soil but may also have some synergistic interaction to increase their efficiency and thereby, reduce environment hazards.