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From crop to compost: Sonali Bag ®—The biopolymer revolutionizing sustainable agriculture
Summary
Researchers evaluated Sonali Bag, a cellulose-based biopolymer film derived from jute, as a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural plastic films. The study found that the material completely biodegrades within 100 days leaving no toxic residue, while offering beneficial properties like high porosity for soil aeration and thermal stability up to 250 degrees Celsius.
Abstract Plastic pollution, particularly in agriculture has reached alarming levels with over 400 million metric tons produced annually. This study evaluates the Sonali Bag® film (cellulose‐based biopolymer derived from jute) as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic films used in agriculture. The film exhibits significant water absorption peaking at 1.45% within the first 10 min, due to its hydrophilic nature making it ideal for moisture retention in soil. Hydrolytic stability tests disclose that Sonali Bag® films degradation rates influenced by environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, and water salinity. At 100°C, the film fully dissolves while at lower temperatures it remains stable. Furthermore, porosity ranges from 83% to 96% depending on film thickness contributing to improved soil aeration and nutrient retention. Biodegradation tests show complete decomposition of the film within 100 days leaving no toxic residue. Thermal analysis (TGA) indicates the film remains stable up to 250°C, and DSC confirms a glass transition temperature ( T g ) of 50°C. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses expose strong hydrogen bonding and a smooth porous surface respectively. These properties establish Sonali Bag® as an eco‐friendly, compostable material with potential to significantly reduce agricultural plastic waste while improving soil health and crop productivity. Highlights Sonali Bag® a cellulosic sustainable alternative to agricultural plastic film. Water absorption and biodegradation ensure no microplastic emission. Hydrolytic stability influenced with salinity, temperature, and pH of water. Porosity and bulk density enhance soil conditions and nutrient retention. Structural analyses validate its suitability for various agricultural uses.
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