Sacchetto naturale: utilization of rice husk, lemon grass, kaffir leaves, banana trunk, and tapioca starch in polybag fabrication for plantation purposes

Polybags serve as essential tools in modern agriculture, facilitating seedling production and transplantation. However, their widespread use contributes to environmental pollution, primarily due to the non-biodegradable nature of conventional polybag materials. This project investigates the potential of harnessing natural, renewable resources— specifically rice husk, lemon grass, kaffir leaves, banana trunk, and tapioca starch—in fabricating eco-friendly polybags tailored for plantation purposes. The research entails the extraction and processing of these diverse natural materials to obtain fibers, essential oils, and starch-based binders. Through systematic experimentation, various formulations are explored to optimize the composition for achieving polybags with desirable mechanical strength, durability, and biodegradability. Mechanical tests, including tensile strength and tear resistance assessments, are conducted to evaluate the performance of the developed polybags relative to conventional counterparts. Furthermore, the biodegradability of the eco-friendly polybags is scrutinized through degradation studies conducted under controlled environmental conditions. The impact of these polybags on plant growth and soil health is assessed via greenhouse experiments, shedding light on their suitability for sustainable agricultural practices. The findings of this study aim to offer viable alternatives to conventional polybags, mitigating the environmental footprint associated with plastic waste while fostering environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By harnessing the potential of locally available and renewable resources, these eco-friendly polybags hold promise in promoting sustainable plantation initiatives.