Fabrication of Biodegradable Mango-Banana Waste Planting Bag: A Sustainable Alternative to Polyethylene

Abstract

Polymer-based planting bags are presently employed in nurseries and commodity plantations for cultivation. A notable drawback associated with the use of these bags in agriculture is the difficulty in their proper disposal once they have completed their intended function. The continued presence of polybags in the soil contributes to heightened levels of toxicity. In response to environmental concerns, biodegradable planting bags have been introduced on a global scale. Hence, this research had been conducted to characterize the properties of the mango-banana waste planting bag prepared. Three difference sample was fabricated with and without the presence of glycerol and with difference ratio of glycerol. The purpose of this project is to design biodegradable planting bags made from mango peel and banana stem that are more environmentally friendly. The study on mechanical properties focused on water absorption test and bursting test whereas the biodegradation ability of mango-banana waste planting bag had been analysed using soil burial degradation test. The results shown that the highest water absorption test is Sample 1, followed by sample 2 and 3. The visual inspection from bursting test shown that all sample exhibited an excellent root growth from biodegradable planting bag after 30 days. The highest weight loss percentage in composting is Sample 1 with 67% as compared to sample 2 and 3 with 75% and 86%. This study analysis emphasis that mango-banana planting bag with and without glycerol can function as an alternative in replacing the polyethylene planting bag and help in addressing environmental issue.