Weed potential
In arable fields, Cenchrus biflorus is regarded as a noxious weed because of its adherent burs that facilitate its rapid spread (Makhabu et al., 2012).
Land reclamation
The Indian sandbur is a pioneer species able to thrive in windy sandy areas. In the Sahel, it is regarded as a desertification indicator. It has been used for the reclamation of degraded land in the Thar desert of Rajasthan (Skerman et al., 1990; Boudet, 1977).