In the quest for sustainable agriculture, researchers have made significant strides in developing biodegradable cultivating pots from agricultural waste. A recent study published in *Scientific Reports* sheds light on the biodegradation kinetics and structural disintegration mechanisms of these eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic plastics. The research, led by Manar E. Elashry from the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at Benha University, explores the potential of biocomposite pots made from palm wax, Lanette wax, and various lignocellulosic fillers like sugarcane bagasse, peat moss, compost, vermiculite, and activated carbon.
The study systematically evaluated the influence of mercerization pretreatment on the degradation performance of these pots. After 90 days of composting, the pots exhibited impressive disintegration rates, with Lanette wax-based composites containing pretreated fibers showing the most pronounced biodegradation response. “The Lanette wax-based composites demonstrated a remarkable biodegradation rate, which is a promising indicator for their potential application in short-cycle crop cultivation,” Elashry noted.
Three kinetic models—Hill Sigmoid, Keursten, and soil respiration—were employed to describe the biodegradation behavior, with the Hill Sigmoid model providing the best fit. This model accurately captured the non-linear kinetics of carbon release, offering valuable insights into the degradation process. FTIR spectral analysis further confirmed the progressive cleavage of bonds associated with cellulose, hemicellulose, and waxy matrices, evidencing microbial depolymerization.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and electrical conductivity were the most influential parameters governing biodegradation dynamics. Although the pots did not fully achieve the ISO 20200:2015 criterion of 90% disintegration within 90 days, their substantial degradation rates underscore strong potential for application in short-cycle crop cultivation.
This research introduces a combined kinetic multivariate analytical framework for evaluating biocomposite degradation, offering predictive insights into compositional functional relationships. “Our findings advance the scientific basis for designing next-generation compostable pots, promoting soil health, waste valorization, and circular bioeconomy strategies in sustainable agriculture,” Elashry explained.
The commercial implications for the agriculture sector are significant. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, these biodegradable pots could revolutionize the way crops are cultivated, reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability. Further optimization of filler composition and incorporation of bioactive additives are recommended to accelerate degradation and enhance regulatory compliance.
This study not only highlights the potential of agricultural waste in creating sustainable cultivating pots but also sets the stage for future developments in the field. As researchers continue to refine these biocomposites, the agriculture sector can look forward to more eco-friendly and efficient cultivation practices, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.