Vermicomposting as a Sustainable Option for Managing Biomass of the Invasive Tree Acacia dealbata Link

The tree Acacia dealbata is native to Australia but has become invasive in many parts of the world thanks its N-fixing capacity and allelopathic compounds present biomass. We conducted a pilot-scale study assess potential conversion A. biomass by vermicomposting via earthworm Eisenia andrei. flowering aerial was shredded placed vermireactor under greenhouse conditions for 56 days. vermicomposted material sampled every two weeks analyse biological chemical parameters. phytotoxicity fresh vermicompost assessed an ecotoxicological test with Lepidium sativum seeds. activity earthworms caused strong modifications properties processed material: electric conductivity, basal respiration, organic matter content were reduced, whereas concentrations other elements such as N, P, or Zn increased. increased steadily until day 42 then decreased, probably due depletion labile during initial stages vermicomposting. reduced germination radicle elongation L. sativum, showed same values control. produced fertiliser rich N not phytotoxic. Vermicomposting provides opportunity create new value chain control dealbata.