An invasive weed that has long plagued the Australian agricultural industry could become a game-changing economic crop due to its potential to produce a cement alternative.

Prickly paddy melon costs the agricultural industry around $100 million a year in lost grain yields, cattle deaths and control measures.
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In a world-first study, researchers at the University of South Australia screened 50 native plants and weeds to find cheaper and more environmentally friendly sources of urease enzymes that could be produced in bulk to strengthen soil.

Paddy melon enzymes are cheaper and more sustainable than commercial enzymes used to create cement and stabilise soils, …

Researchers crushed the seeds and extracted enzymes in liquid form. The liquid was then freeze dried to create a powdered, highly concentrated agent.

The technique cut down the cementation time from one week to six hours.

"Compared to the production of commercial enzymes, paddy melon enzymes are cheaper, more sustainable, and more efficient than other enzymes used to cement and stabilise soils," Professor Rahman said.

Bio-cement is growing in popularity as a green solution for the carbon dioxide emitting process of manufacturing concrete, cement mortar and burnt clay brick