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Utilization of biogas spent slurry and agricultural waste for eco-friendly biodegradable nursery pots
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This study developed biodegradable nursery pots by combining biogas-digested organic slurry (pressmud, municipal solid waste, cow dung) with natural binders including starch and guar gum, demonstrating mechanical and environmental performance comparable to conventional HDPE nursery bags.
The growing environmental burden of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nursery bags and the disposal challenge of biogas spent slurry from Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants necessitate sustainable alternatives. This study explores the development of biodegradable nursery pots by valorizing biogas-digested slurry, including pressmud, municipal solid waste, and cow dung slurry, in combination with natural binders such as soil, lime, starch, and guar gum. A hydraulically operated compression molding machine was used to form the pots, which were evaluated for their physical, mechanical, and environmental properties. Results showed that pots formed with biogas slurry and guar gum exhibited superior performance, with compressive strength of 2.34 MPa, moisture content below 1%, shattering resistance of 86% and water absorption resistance under 30%. Biodegradability trials revealed over 90% mass loss within 50-56 days under soil incubation. Germination tests confirmed that these pots support healthy root development, achieving a 100% seed germination rate, surpassing that of HDPE controls. Electrical conductivity of pot leachate remained within safe limits, indicating no phytotoxic effects. The study demonstrates the feasibility of converting CBG slurry and agro-waste into structurally sound, biodegradable nursery pots, presenting a viable, eco-friendly substitute for plastic containers. The findings support sustainable nursery management, circular waste utilization, and align with national organic waste valorization initiatives.
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Application of novel sustainable bio-plastic materials in horticultural production
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This review covers the application of biodegradable bioplastics in horticultural production — from nursery pots and mulch films to packaging — summarizing advances in biopolymer formulation, field performance, and degradation behavior that support their use as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
Biodegradable Polymer Materials Based on Polyethylene and Natural Rubber: Acquiring, Investigation, Properties
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Researchers developed biodegradable polymer materials by blending polyethylene with natural rubber to create more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic packaging materials, investigating the acquisition methods, structural properties, and performance characteristics of the resulting composites.
Promising biodegradable composite derived from corn straw fiber and waste Polyethylene
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Researchers developed a biodegradable composite material from corn straw fibers and waste polyethylene as an agricultural mulch alternative, finding that incorporating agricultural crop residues improved the composite's mechanical and biodegradable properties. This approach simultaneously addresses plastic waste and agricultural residue disposal while reducing persistent plastic mulch contamination of farmland soils.
On the quest for novel bio-degradable plastics for agricultural field mulching
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This review examined the challenge of developing biodegradable plastic mulch materials suitable for agricultural use, noting that plasticulture consumes about 6.7 million tons of plastic annually, most of which cannot be practically recycled. The authors assessed candidate biodegradable polymers based on their degradation rates in soil, mechanical performance, and cost.
Biodegradability of pots made from empty fruit clusters of the oil palm (Elaeis guinnensis Jacq.) for agroforestry use in the Ucayali Region, Peru
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This study tested whether pots made from oil palm empty fruit bunches — a common agricultural waste — could biodegrade in soil instead of becoming microplastic pollution like conventional plastic nursery bags. Results showed the EFB-based pots broke down significantly under natural soil conditions, with degradation rates varying by environment (open, stored, or reforested soil). This matters because switching from plastic nursery bags to biodegradable alternatives could meaningfully reduce agricultural microplastic contamination.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.