Developing Sustainable Solutions: Biodegradable Seed Started Pots for

Eco-Friendly Plan Propagation

A Title Research Design Project Presented to

Engr. Kent Patrick Ferraro

School of Technology

College of Engineering

First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities

Tanauan City, Batangas

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course

Environmental Science and Engineering under the Program

Industrial Engineering

Guevarra, Vincent Luigi D.

Abila, Byron James

Yacat, Gerald Anthony B.

May 20, 2023

 ABSTRACT

Plastic pots are commonly used in agriculture for seed starting, but they pose

several environmental problems due to their non-biodegradable nature. Biodegradable

seed starter pots are being developed as a sustainable alternative to plastic pots. This

research paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using biodegradable seed starter pots

for seed starting and to analyze their potential benefits to the environment especially for

farmers and gardeners. The study will involve testing the growth of seedlings in

biodegradable pots made from recycled papers, and comparing it with the growth of

seedlings in traditional plastic pots. The study will also analyze the environmental impact

of biodegradable pots in terms of reduction in waste and carbon footprint. The results of

the study are expected to demonstrate that biodegradable seed starter pots are a viable

alternative to plastic pots for seed starting and can provide multiple benefits for

sustainable agriculture. Biodegradable pots have the potential to reduce waste in landfills,

promote healthier plant growth, and simplify the transplanting process. By using

biodegradable seed starter pots, farmers and gardeners can contribute to a more

sustainable and environmentally friendly ecosystem.

 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our professor, Engr. Kent Patrick

Ferraro, for his invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the duration of

this mini thesis. His insightful feedback, unwavering encouragement, and dedication to

our academic growth have been instrumental in shaping our research. We are truly

grateful for his mentorship and the knowledge we have gained under his supervision.
 DEDICATION

This mini thesis is dedicated to our families, whose unwavering support, love, and

encouragement have been the driving force behind our academic pursuits. We also

dedicate this work to all individuals and organizations committed to environmental

conservation and sustainable practices, whose tireless efforts inspire us to contribute

towards a better and greener future.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE 1

ABSTRACT 2

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 3

DEDICATION 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5-6

LIST OF FIGURES 6

I. INTRODUCTION 7-10

Background of the Study 7

Objectives of the Study 8

Scope and Limitations of the Project 8

Significance of the Study 8-10

Definitions of Terms 10

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 11-13

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 14-15

Research Design 14

Product Development 15

Hardware 15

3D Model 15
 LIST OF FIGURES

Page

1.1 Figure 1 15
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of Study

Biodegradable seed starter pots have gained popularity in recent years as an

environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic pots. These pots are typically

made from natural, biodegradable materials such as coconut coir, peat moss, or recycled

paper, and are designed to break down over time, eliminating the need for plastic waste in

the garden. According to García-Gómez et al., (2019), the use of biodegradable seed

starter pots can significantly reduce environmental impact and improve the sustainability

of agricultural practices. In addition to their eco-friendliness, biodegradable seed starter

pots can also benefit plant growth, as they allow for easy transplanting without disturbing

the roots. The use of biodegradable seed starter pots is a simple yet effective way to

reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable gardening practices. Juanga-Labayen, J.

(2021) also stated that the development of bio-containers has been progressively focused

on utilizing the appropriate biodegradable waste materials, improving the strength of the

container, and increasing its biodegradability. Alternative containers or bio-containers

were developed to promote sustainable greenhouse and nursery production that addressed

the consumers’ “green” product perception and environmental sustainability.

Biodegradable pots are produced worldwide and are already being used in many

greenhouses and nursery production facilities that promote sustainable organic gardening

and farming.
Additionally, the development of bio-containers has been progressively focused on

utilizing the appropriate biodegradable waste materials, improving the strength of the

container, and increasing its biodegradability.

Objectives of the Study

This study's main objective is to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to

traditional non-biodegradable seed starter pots. These pots are designed to be made from

materials that can break down naturally in the environment over time, without leaving

harmful

residues or causing pollution.

Specifically, this study aimed;

1. To develop a biodegradable seed started pots using recycled papers to reduce

environmental impact associated with traditional plastic pots.

2. To access the effectiveness of biodegradable seed started pots in promoting early plant

growth

3. To ensure that the biodegradable see started pots have sufficient strength and durability

to support the growth of seedlings

Scope and Limitation of the Project

This study aims to provide an eco-friendly option for starting plants from seeds. It

offersa number of benefits, such as reducing plastic waste, providing a nutrient-rich

environment for seedlings, and allowing for easy transplanting without disturbing the

roots of the plant. The study’s level of transferability could not be as high as that of
studies conducted by research specialists. There will be limitations in study because of

the location and small sample size. The potential target respondents to this study are the

residents of Barangay San Bartolome Santo Tomas, Batangas.

Significance of the Study

This study offers several benefits to gardeners and farmers, including environmental

sustainability, ease of use, and improved plant growth. These pots are typically made

from

sustainable materials such as coconut coir, peat, or recycled paper, and they can be

planted

directly in the ground, eliminating the need to transplant the seedlings and reducing the

risk of transplant shock. Biodegradable pots made from coconut coir had better water

retention and drainage properties than traditional plastic pots, leading to improved plant

growth and reduced water usage. Also, biodegradable pots had a lower carbon footprint

and were more environmentally sustainable than plastic pots. Lastly, it benefits the

environment because it helps to reduce waste and promote circular economy practices.

They can be composted after use, returning nutrients to the soil and reducing the amount

of waste that ends up in landfills. In general, biodegradable seed starter pots offer a

sustainable and practical solution for growers looking to reduce their environmental

impact and promote healthy plant growth.

For Gardeners/Farmers

This study is beneficial to the gardeners because it is easy to use and requires minimal
effort, it reduces transplant shock, improved root development, it gives versatility, and

sustainability to the plant.

For Environment

The main objective of this study is to lessen the pollution produced by plastics, promote

sustainability, improve soil health, and encourage composting that is helpful to the

environment

to maintain a clean and healthy ecosystem.

For Researchers

For the future researchers who will continue and pursue the biodegradable seed starter

pots as their study, this can be their guide in conducting research that provides credible

and

reliable data, sources, and information. This can also serve as reference for other

researchers that are conducting research about engineering solutions.

Definition of Terms

The key words utilized in this study have all been defined for the purpose of clarification.

The following terms are:

Seeds. A flowering plant's unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another such

plant.

Starter Pots. Intended for growing the seedlings of vegetables, flowering, and other

plants.
Biodegradable. Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

Plant Growth. The increasing of plant volume and/or mass with or without formation of

new structures such as organs, tissues, cells or cell organelles.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Biodegradable pots for seedling growth were developed from bio composites

based on different byproducts and solid wastes such as gelatin, corn- and wheat-waste

flour, sunflower seed husks and rice husks, yerba mate waste and used paper. Water

absorption, solubility, tensile and biodegradation tests were carried out to determine

physical and mechanical properties of studied bio composites. According to Castillo

(2022) about Biodegradable Posts for Seedlings, Biodegradable containers are

environmentally friendly options to plastic pots commonly used in nursery and

greenhouse activities. The use of plantable and compostable pots based on renewable and

natural materials derived from waste or by-products of industrial processes have a

potential market to enhance the sustainable character of current production systems. This

chapter presents an analysis of the state-of-the-art on the development of biodegradable

pots. Plantable and compostable containers made of different renewable materials, which

are studied in the academic field up to patents and commercial products, are presented.

According to Barbosa et al. (2022) about Development of biodegradable pots from

different agro-industrial wastes and byproducts. Although plastic pots are massively used

for current production systems in greenhouses and nurseries, “green” consumer habits
boost a market tendency which is focusing towards the enhancement of pot sustainability.

A green

alternative to promote this habit change is the use of biodegradable containers or biopots,

which are made with natural raw materials that can be decomposed naturally, eliminating

or reducing landfill waste. Biodegradable containers are obtained using materials

proceeding from renewable sources and/or from by-products of agricultural, animal

husbandry, fishing, tannery, etc. They are classified as plantable or compostable,

depending on their biodegradation rate, which is determined mainly by raw materials.

The distinguished characteristic of plantable pots is that they can be planted into soil

together with the plant. They must quickly break down once they are planted to favor root

development ulterior growing into surrounding soil as containers decompose. On the

other hand, compostable containers must be retired at the transplant and must be

composted separately since they are not degraded quickly or completely when it is placed

into soil. Lower gas emissions can be achieved if alternatives to plastic containers are

used; for example, Koeser et al. (2014) reported that 16% of carbon dioxide emissions of

petunia (Petunia ×hybrida) production are linked to the plastic containers used to grow

the plants. Traditionally, the green industry has relied on plastic containers. Plastic

containers are used because of their durability, superior function, low cost, wide variety

of available sizes and shapes, and ease of shipping and marketing (Chappell and Knox,

2012; Evans and Hensley, 2004; Kratsch et al., 2015). Alternative containers are made

from a variety of animal- and plant-based materials that

are derived from renewable sources, including bioplastics, coir, poultry feathers,

processed cow manure, paper fibers, and rice (Oryza sativa) hulls (Evans et al., 2015).

Biodegradable containers are typically categorized as compostable or plantable. Plantable

biocontainers may be directly planted in the field, raised bed, or pots and allow plant

roots to protrude through their walls. Due to the low compression strength, alternative

containers can decrease landfill space and decompose more rapidly than traditional

plastic containers (Fulcher et al., 2015). Studies regarding biocontainers also included

experiments involving several type of biodegradable containers and a conventional

plastic pot that were evaluated with regard to the appearance and durability during

production of the most widely produced potted plant, poinsettia [Euphorbia pulcherrima

(Lopez and Camberato, 2011)]. The study concluded that none of the seven tested

containers negatively impacted the plant appearance, but container integrity could affect

marketability. Recent market research reported that ornamental plant consumers are

willing to pay more for nonplastic and recyclable containers (Fulcher et al., 2015).

Synthesis

Agricultural, ornamental and forestry crops are generally grown in individual

plastic containers in greenhouse and nursery production. The advantages of the use of

these pots are related to their good mechanical properties, light weight, chemical stability,

durability and low cost. Moreover, plastic containers can be handled by automatic

machines to fill and seed the crops as well as to transport them. Additionally, their

mechanical strength is not altered by the humidity, conserving this property even though
in the dry state. Plastic pots also present resistance against mildew and algae growth and

they do not suffer corrosion. Besides these advantages, there is a wide variety of plastic

pots since they are produced massively with different shapes, color and sizes. Since

plastic pots generally are made from polyethylene, they are non-biodegradable

considering their high microbial degradation resistance. In this sense, they must be

removed before the plant is transplanted into the soil. As a consequence, an

overabundance of used and discarded pots is produced during nursery and greenhouse

activities. In order to reduce these plastic wastes, the reuse or recycling are considered as

possible solutions. However, these alternatives involve high costs related to the cleaning

process of used containers. It is difficult to recycle used pots since the presence of

organic residues, grease, vegetation, moisture, and pesticide that must be previously

eliminated. Then, the relationship between cleaning costs and final price of recycled

material makes this alternative unfeasible. Additionally, containers in greenhouses and

nurseries are exposed to extreme heat and light conditions which can induce UV light

degradation, reducing material properties and recyclability.

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research methodology explains how the researchers will conduct the project, which

will assist the researchers in organizing the process flow and the components that are

required. It will be accomplished by using a piece of hardware and a 3D model.

Research Design
To demonstrate how our product will be made during the project, we researchers use the

IPO approach. The IPO method will guide the research design to measure the efficiency

and impact of paper seed starter pots in supporting seedling growth.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework outlines the inputs, processes, and outputs involved in the

creation of paper seed starter pots. It emphasizes the sustainable aspect of recycling

paper, the steps for shaping and drying the pots, and the eventual benefits of promoting

healthy plant growth and minimizing waste.

Product Development

Hardware

The aim is to create a compact and robust hardware system that automates or simplifies

various stages of the pot-making process. Several components need to be designed,

including those for soaking and blending the paper, pot shaping, water removal, and

drying. For example, a water container with a blending mechanism can efficiently soak

and blend the paper into a pulp, while a mold or shaping mechanism can create uniform

pots with desirable characteristics.

3D Model

This design concept shows how our finished product will look like, it will be in a

rectangular shaped pot that can hold the seeds and soil together. The size of the product

will depend on how many seeds and what type of plant it will use.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

National Gardening Association. (n.d.). Biodegradable Pots for Seed Starting.

Retrieved from: https://garden.org/learn/articles/view/4126/

Mondal, S., Basu, P., & Mukhopadhyay, S. (2019). Environmental sustainability and

performance evaluation of biodegradable plant pots made from coconut coir. Retrieved

from:

Journal of Cleaner Production, 221, 290-300. Doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.068).

Garcia-Gomez, J.C., Pereira-Neto, J.T., Espinosa-Muñoz, et. al. (2019). Life cycle

assessment of

biodegradable seedling trays made from wood fiber and coconut coir. Retrieved from:

Journal of

Cleaner Production, 215, 795-805.:

University of Minnesota Extension. (2021). Biodegradable Seed Starter Pots. Retrieved

from:https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/biodegradable-seed-starter-

potsEva

ns, M., & Hensley, D. (2004b). Plant Growth in Plastic, Peat, and Processed Poultry

Feather

Fiber Growing Containers. Hortscience, 39(5), 1012–1014. Retrieved from:

https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.39.5.1012

Hall, C. B., Campbell, B. L., Behe, B. K., Yue, C., Lopez, R. G., & Dennis, J. H. (2010).

The

Appeal of Biodegradable Packaging to Floral Consumers. Hortscience, 45(4), 583–591.

Retrieved from : https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.45.4.583

Harris, B., Florkowski, W. J., & Pennisi, S. V. (2020). Horticulture Industry Adoption of

Biodegradable Containers. Horttechnology, 30(3), 372–384. Retrieved from:

https://doi.org/10.21273/horttech04563-19