Large Scale Composting as a Means of Managing Eichhornia Crassipes, Water Hyacinth

Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, is one of the most invasive aquatic species worldwide. Water hyacinth became a nationwide aquatic weed problem during the last century after its horticultural industry introduction to the United States in 1884 at the Centennial Exposition in New Orleans.  Different means of management of the invasive species have been implemented in the past including using herbicides and harvesting for various uses such as feedstocks for animals or for use as a fiber textile.  The plant has been successfully composted in the past, but a large scale system had not been investigated to determine if all plant propagules are destroyed in the process.  The intent of this study was to determine if composting is an effective means of managing water hyacinth while producing a quality compost product for the horticultural industry.  University composting site development and coordination of gathering feedstocks in a university composting operation will be discussed.  Over 22,000 lbs of water hyacinth, 25,000 lbs of poultry litter, and 18,000 lbs of cafeteria food waste have been collected and used as feedstocks within the composting system.  Water hyacinth seed was rendered non-viable at temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Results will include tests for compost quality and water hyacinth seed viability.