DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The increasing amount of waste globally remains a problem, especially in the

Philippines and plastic waste is a significant part of this problem. One type of plastic
waste is plastic pots which are commonly used in horticulture. Plastic nursery pots play a
crucial role in horticulture, which focuses on cultivating plants for food and medicinal
purposes. Plastic materials are not easily decomposed by natural processes such as rain,
sunlight, or microorganisms, resulting in the accumulation of waste in the environment
(Akhir et al., 2017; Jambeck et al., 2015 as cited in Jaya, Majid, Nuryati, Yuliana, &
Ningsih, 2024). Despite their durability and long lifespan, the decomposition time of plastic
pots presents serious environmental challenges. During degradation, these materials can
release toxic that harm the environment. An alternative way of plastic nursery pot is to
create an eco-friendly pot. In this way, we can lessen the negative impact on the
environment while continuing to support the crucial work of growing plants.

Given these environmental concerns, researchers have explored biodegradable

nursery pots as a more sustainable option. Hence, adopting biodegradable pots presents
an environmentally friendly alternative that addresses waste accumulation's dual
challenges and promotes sustainable horticultural practices. These pots can be
transplanted directly into the soil, promoting healthy root growth, and as they break down,
they serve as a natural fertilizer, enhancing the soil quality. Some studies about
biodegradable pots utilize various materials, including oil palm fronds, banana peel, cattle
manure, wood waste, and empty fruit bunches. In the study, the use of agricultural waste
in developing biodegradable nursery pots will be examined.

Among various materials, coconut fiber and tapioca starch was examined for their
potential in producing biodegradable pots. The coconut husk, often considered waste
during harvesting, contains 30% fiber. Coconut fiber, or coir, is a lightweight natural fiber
that is extracted from the coconut husk. It is made up of short strands or fibers. Coconut
husk is composed of 30% fiber and 70% pith, with a high lignin content that enhances its
durability. According to Calixto et al. (2024), because of its significant lignin content,
coconut fiber is highly elastic, durable, and resistant to decay. Ripe coconut fiber was
used in this study because brown coir fibers, derived from ripe coconuts, possess greater
strength than white coir fibers; however, they are not as flexible (Bakar, Chin, Siregar, &
Ngien, 2020). Coconut fiber is often used in the production of ropes, mattresses, brushes,
geotextiles, and car seats (Bui, Sebaibi, Boutouil & Levacher, 2020). Tapioca starch will
serve as an adhesive to bind coconut fiber, enhancing the pot's durability. Jaya et al.
(2024) stated that incorporating tapioca can enhance the flexural strength while reducing
the stiffness of the organic pot products, resulting in greater elasticity. Tapioca starch is a
gluten-free flour that comes from the cassava plant. Tapioca starch exhibits superior
adhesive strength and solidifies rapidly at ambient temperature (Mirad, Violet, Khairun, &
Jurian, 2023).

In summary, while plastic plays a vital role in various aspects of daily life, it
presents significant environmental challenges. Traditional nursery pots are typically made
of plastic, which can take many years to decompose and contribute to plastic pollution.
This issue is especially in the Philippines, where waste management is a growing
concern. To address these challenges, the development of biodegradable nursery pots
provides a viable option for reducing plastic waste in horticulture. These eco-friendly pots
minimize waste such as by reducing landfill accumulation and contribute positively to the
environment by breaking down naturally over time. They also offer an added benefit: as
they decompose, they release nutrients into the soil, supporting plant health during
transplantation. Transitioning to biodegradable nursery pots represents an approach to

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|1

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
reducing plastic usage and its associated environmental impact. By adopting this
innovative solution, horticultural practices may reduce environmental impact while
supporting plant health.

Research Objectives

This research focuses on producing an eco-friendly nursery pots using coconut

fiber and tapioca starch. The study aims for the following:

1. To create a biodegradable pot composed of organic materials, such as

coconut fiber and tapioca starch, suitable for direct soil planting.
2. To evaluate the performance of coconut fiber and tapioca starch in
biodegradable nursery pots production by evaluating water absorption,
density, shatter resistance index, and biodegradability.

Significance of the Study

The primary beneficiaries of this product are plant enthusiasts. This study will
emphasize the advantages of biodegradable nursery pots, which are eco-friendly
alternatives for gardening. These pots offer a sustainable alternative for individuals
engaged in gardening and agriculture. Moreover, selling biodegradable pots may provide
economic opportunities for individuals interested in eco-friendly entrepreneurship. By
adopting biodegradable nursery pots as a sustainable alternative, this study will contribute
to waste reduction and encourages environmentally responsible horticultural practices for
future generations.

Scope and Delimitations

The goal is to create a biodegradable pot made from organic materials, specifically
coconut fiber and tapioca starch, that is suitable for direct planting in soil. The
performance of these materials will be evaluated for their effectiveness in producing
biodegradable nursery pots by assessing key factors such as water absorption, density,
shatter resistance index, and biodegradability. Instead of producing nine samples, this
study resulted into producing only three samples for testing. The pot mold was changed to
metal to improve the efficiency of the cold pressing method. Instead of using 3-inch
coconut fiber, the fibers were cut to an estimated size of 0.5 cm to 2 cm. The
biodegradability test is not included due to time constraints, limiting the study’s ability to
assess the pot’s decomposition rate in soil.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Organic Decomposition Matter

Organic matter decomposition (OMD) involves the breakdown of larger

compounds, such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, pectin, starch, chitin, inulin, and
cutin, into smaller compounds by various microorganisms. OMD is essential for the global
carbon cycle, mineralization, and the cycling of nutrients Johnston (1962). Soil
microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem functions such as food
production, climate regulation, and water management. These microbiomes, consisting of
bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and nematodes, contribute significantly to nutrient cycling,
soil fertility, and organic matter decomposition. Their diversity is influenced by
environmental factors like soil type, climate, pH, moisture, and nutrient availability, with
dominant microbial genera including Achromobacter, Azospirillum, Bacillus,

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|2

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Serratia. Beneficial soil microbes perform essential
functions in agricultural and environmental sustainability. They play a key role in nutrient
cycling by facilitating the movement of vital elements such as nitrogen, carbon,
phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Some microbes promote plant growth by acting as
biofertilizers, fixing nitrogen, mobilizing phosphorus, and producing plant hormones like
auxins and gibberellins. (Yadaw et al.,2021). Organic Matter Decomposition (OMD) refers
to the process where small living organisms, such as bacteria are found in soils that
decompose naturally. A biodegradable pot is made out of organic materials that can be
easily decomposed. This is because of the microbial activity that breaks down the
components of bio-pot.

Coconut Fiber as a Reinforcement in Biodegradable Pots

Coconut fiber, often referred to as coir, is a lightweight material and it is a natural

fiber that is obtained from the coconut husk. The coconut husk comprises 30% fiber and
70% pith, featuring a high lignin content. Coir fibers contain about 40 to 50% lignin, 27 to
45% cellulose, 0.15 to 20% hemicellulose, and 3.5% ash, and have a moisture content
ranging from 9 to 11% (Hasan, Horvath, Bak, & Alpar, 2021). According to Calixto et al.
(2024), because of its significant lignin content, coconut fiber is highly elastic, durable, and
resistant to decay. This study will use ripe coconut fiber because brown coir fibers,
derived from ripe coconuts, possess greater strength than white coir fibers; however, they
are not as flexible (Bakar et al., 2020). It is a cultivation medium for various plants,
including fruit trees, vegetables, and cut flowers (Ibiyeye, Adedipe, Olunloyo, & Akala,
2021). According to Calixto et al. (2024), coir fibers are commonly utilized as a growing
medium in hydroponic systems or to create biodegradable plant containers. Coconut coir
serves as an organic planting pot that can effectively retain and hold water while providing
excellent aeration and drainage, making it suitable for warm climates and it is rich in vital
nutrients and can be easily broken down by soil microbes (Khan, Mahmood, & Bano ,2000
as cited in Roeswitawati, Fatonah, & Iriany, 2019). Therefore, coconut fiber presents a
sustainable and alternative to conventional plastic container due to its durability, high
elasticity, and resistance to decay. Compared to plastic pots, which contribute to
environmental pollution, coconut coir offers an eco-friendly solution that supports soil
health while reducing agricultural waste. Coconut fiber as an organic pot is rich in vital
nutrients and it can be easily decomposed by soil microorganisms.

Tapioca Starch as a Binding Agent for Biodegradable Pots

Tapioca starch is a gluten-free flour that comes from the cassava plant. Tapioca
starch exhibits superior adhesive strength and solidifies rapidly at ambient temperature
(Mirad, Violet, Khairun, & Jurian, 2023). Jaya et al., (2024) stated that, incorporating
tapioca can enhance the flexural strength while reducing the stiffness of organic pot
products, making them more elastic. Tapioca starch is an excellent material for
biodegradable pots because of its adhesive properties, quick solidification at room
temperature, and capacity to improve flexibility in organic pot formulations. Furthermore,
tapioca starch is a natural, renewable, and eco-friendly alternative. Overall, it plays a vital
role in enhancing the sustainability and performance of biodegradable pots.

Biodegradable Pot

The transition from petroleum-based plastic pots to biodegradable alternatives has

gained significant attention due to environmental concerns and the increasing demand for
sustainable agricultural practices. Various studies examined the physical properties of pot
such as density, water absorption, shatter resistance index and biodegradability, the
significant finding were as follows: i.) a bio-pot formulation that containing 5% matrix or
adhesive and 40 g of oil palm frond, showed the highest density, lowest water absorption,

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|3

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
and notable degradability, indicating a greater resistance when used in soil. (Jaya et al.,
2024). ii.) The water absorption tests revealed notable differences, with BP5, a pot
sample showing the highest absorption rate at 274.47%, probably because of the
elevated concentration of guar gum, whereas BP7 registered the lowest rate at 37.63%,
which can be linked to the use of epoxy (Sharma, Dr. Pooja, Dr. Challa, & Dr. Preethi,
2024). iii.) M4, a pot sample shows the best physical quality of all the biopotting samples.
M4 have the lowest density, the highest water absorption and have a ≤2% level of
damage (Santosa, Hassan, Kasim, & Santosa, 2023). Research highlights the benefits of
biodegradable pots, such as improved soil integration, reduced waste, and enhanced
plant growth (Jaya, Nugroho, Elma, & Sunardi, 2023). Biodegradable nursery pots are
necessary to plastic pots because it reduce plastic waste. Unlike plastic pot, they
decompose naturally, improving soil health and reduce plastic waste. Adopting
biodegradable pots is a simple yet effective step toward reducing plastic pollution and
promoting a greener, more sustainable environment.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Coconut Fiber Preparation of Biodegradable

materials pot
Tapioca Starch Combining the
materials
Place the mixture
into a pot mold
Use the cold
pressing method
Dry the pot under
the sun for 20
hrs.
Testing protocols
which is the
density, water
absorption,
shatter
resistance index,
and
biodegradability

Figure 1. The Input, Process, Output (IPO) of Bio-pot

The design above shows about what are the input materials in making
biodegradable pots. The production process and the output of the biodegradable pot.

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|4

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
METHODS

Procedure Diagram

Preparation of the materials and

tools

Retting of the coconut husk

Chopping the coconut fiber

Mixing the tapioca starch into a

boiling water

Combining all of the materials

Stir the mixture

Formed a gel-like mixture

Place the mixture into a

molding pot

Use the Cold Pressing method

Dry the pot under the sun for 20

hrs.

Testing the characteristics of

the pot

Figure 2. Procedure Diagram

The design above illustrates the procedure for creating the bio-pot, highlighting
the steps of production, preparation, mixing, and drying
Materials

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|5

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School

Coconut Fiber

Figure 3. Coconut Husk and Coconut Fiber

Coconut fiber is one of the raw materials. Coconut fiber, known as coir, is the fiber
found in the coconut husk. The ripe coconut fiber is the one that was used, because
brown coir fibers, derived from ripe coconuts, possess greater strength than white coir
fibers; however, they are not as flexible (Bakar et al., 2020).

Tapioca Starch

Figure 4. Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is used as an adhesive. Tapioca starch is a gluten-free flour that

comes from the cassava plant. According to Mirad et al., (2023), tapioca adhesive exhibits
superior bonding strength and cures rapidly at room temperatures.

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|6

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
Digital Caliper

Figure 5. Digital Caliper

Measuring both the external and internal lengths, as well as the internal
diameter, external diameter, and depth. The caliper was used in measuring the
thickness of the specimen for the density of the bio-pot.

Transparent Container

Figure 6. Transparent Container

A plastic container that is transparent. The container was used for immersing
the specimen in distilled water for pots water absorption.

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|7

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
Precision Balance

Figure 7. Precision Balance

Precision balance is a balance designed to provide highly precise results of a

weighing. Precision balance is used to weigh the specimen of the biodegradable pot for
the biodegradability test.

Pot Mold

Figure 8. Pot Mold

It is a container that the mixture will be putting into. In the study the pot mold was
used to shape the biodegradable pot.

Data Collection Procedure

The study will explore various mixtures in different proportions. We will test the
biodegradable pot water absorption, density, shatter resistance index, and
biodegradability.

Table 1. Various proportion of materials

Materials BP-1 BP-2 BP-3

Coconut Fiber 10% = 150 g 15%=225 g 20%=300 g
Tapioca Starch 20%= 300 g 15%=225 g 10%=150 g
Water 70%= 1,050 ml 70%=1,050 ml 70%=1,050 ml

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|8

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School

The table above illustrates the various proportions of a 1,500 g mixture

in each sample. Different mixture proportions will be utilized to assess the potential of
coconut fiber and tapioca starch in the production of biodegradable pots.

Table 2. Different trials of bio-pot

Density Water Shatter Biodegradability

Absorption Resistance Index Test

Trial 20x20 60 minutes 1 meter 7 days

1 mm²

Trial 20x20 2 hours 2 meters 12 days

2 mm²

Trial 20x20 3 hours 3 meters 17 days

3 mm²

The table above displays the trials of various testing protocols for pots, aimed at
determining their effectiveness.

Procedures

Production process of bio-pot (Jaya et al., 2024)

1. Gather the materials
 Raw material which is the coconut fiber
 Tapioca Starch
 Peel out the exocarp of the coconut husk, and then cut the fiber
 Gas stove
 Container for boiling a water
 Scoop for stirring
 Pot mold
2. Peel out the exocarp, the thin yellow-brown, watertight outer skin of the coconut
husk using a bolo
3. Do the retting method (Mishra and Basu, 2020)
 The coconut fiber is dehusked using a hard tool, a 2x2 size of wood or
wood mallets
 Hit the coconut husk until the pith is separated in the fiber of the coconut
 Cut apart the fibers
4. Put the coconut fiber aside
5. Prepare the gas stove, put a water into a container to boil a water
6. When the water boils, get the tapioca starch
7. Mix the tapioca starch into the boiling water
8. Stir the mixture homogeneously
9. Mix the coconut fiber into the mixture of tapioca starch
10. While stirring, add a water
11. Stir until it formed into a gel-like mixture
12. Prepare the pot mold
13. Put the mixture into a pot mold
14. Use the cold pressing method by applying force to the upper parts of the pot
mold
15. Dry the bio-pot under the sun for 20 hours or use furnace for drying as a second
option of sun-drying.

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|9

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School

Density Test (Jaya et al., 2024)

1. Prepare specimens with dimensions 20x20 mm² of every sample
2. Measure the thickness of every specimen using digital caliper
3. Get the volume of the three specimens by multiplying the area and thickness of the
specimen
4. Weigh the three specimens using precision balance
5. Compute the density of the three specimens
6. Compare the three specimen’s density
7. Determine which of the samples have the high density and have the low density
by using the equation:
W
d=
V
Where in;
W is denoted as weight of the specimen
V is denoted as volume of the specimen by multiplying its measured area by its
thickness

Water Absorption Test (Jaya et al., 2024)

1. Prepare specimens with dimensions 20x20 mm² of every sample
2. Place each 20x20 mm² into a transparent container
3. Pour the distilled water into the transparent container
4. Immerse the specimens for 60 minutes, 2 hours, and 3 hours
5. After immersion, remove each specimen and weigh it using precision balance
6. Compute the water absorption of the specimens
7. Compare the specimens water absorption
8. Determine which samples have the highest water absorption and have the
lowest water absorption by using the following equations:
W H ₂O =Wₜ −Wₒ

WH 2
O
Q=
Wₒ
Where in;
W H ₂O is denoted as the water absorbed
Wₜ is denotes the weight after immersion
Wₒ is denotes the weight before immersion

Shatter Resistance Index (Dewangan, Dr. Victor, & Verma,2022)

1. Prepare specimens with dimensions 20x20 mm² of every sample
2. Weigh the specimens using precision balance
3. Drop the specimen for 1 meter, 2 meters, and 3 meters
4. Compute the specimens shatter resistance index
5. Determine which samples have the most crumbled and least crumbled sample
using the following equations:
Initial weigℎt before sℎattering − Final weigℎt after sℎattering
Percentage weigℎt loss=
Initial weigℎt of sℎattering
Sℎattering index ( % ) =100 − Percentage weigℎt loss

Biodegradability Test (Jaya et al., 2024)

1. Prepare specimens with dimensions 20x20 mm² of every sample
2. Weigh the specimens in a precision balance
3. Place the three specimens in the ground (burial test)
4. Left it for 7, 12, and 17 days

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|10

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
5. After the three different days of burial test, take the specimen, clean the
specimen by wiping it by tissue
6. Weigh the three specimens using precision balance
7. Compute the biodegradability of the three specimens
8. Compare the three specimen’s biodegradability
9. Determine which samples have the highest degradability and have the low
degradability using the equation:
Wₒ− Wₜ
Weigℎt loss ( % )=
Wₒ
Where in;
Wₒ denotes the weight before burial test
Wₜ denotes the weight after burial test

Data Analysis

Table 3. Ranges of Density

Range Descriptive Value Description

Firm and roots hardly penetrate
High > 0.51 g/cm³
through the biodegradable nursery pot
Mediu Less firm, roots will easily penetrate
0.42-0.50 g/cm³
m the biodegradable nursery pot
Low < 0.41 g/cm³ Collapsed due to low compactness

Table 4. Level of Water Absorption

Level Description Characteristics

High High absorption capacity causes the

resistance to be weak, the application
in the field will be damaged quickly

Low Slow degradation process

Table 5. Shatter Resistance Index

Score Description Characteristics

Excellent Intact, no damages

Good The item is intact but has some small,

subtle cracks that are not easily
noticeable

Bad Completely broken

Table 6. Biodegradability Test

Score Degradation Stage Characteristics

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|11

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
1 Intact No visible degradation

2 Slightly Wear The item is intact but has some small,

subtle cracks that are not easily
noticeable

3 Moderate Breakdown Noticeable cracks, edges starting to

fragment

4 Sever Degradation Large cracks, loss of shape

5 Fully Degraded Collapsed structure, most material

incorporated into the soil

RESULTS

Table 7. Density Test of the Biodegradable Nursery Pots (g/cm³)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Mean

BP-1 0.62 g/cm³ 0.43 g/cm³ 0.60 g/cm³ 0.55 g/cm³

BP-2 0.36 g/cm³ 0.55 g/cm³ 0.67 g/cm³ 0.53 g/cm³

BP-3 0.45 g/cm³ 0.46 g/cm³ 0.72 g/cm³ 0.54 g/cm³

Commercia 0.25 g/cm³ 0.56 g/cm³ 0.63 g/cm³ 0.48 g/cm³

l Pot

The table above shows the density of every samples. The highest density is found
in the BP-1 and the commercial pot have the lowest density which indicates that the
higher the adhesive concentration of the composites, the higher the density.

Table 8. Water Absorption of the Biodegradable Nursery Pots (%)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Mean

BP-1 65 % 36 % 107 % 69.33 %

BP-2 135 % 150 % 187 % 157.33 %

BP-3 186 % 133 % 209 % 176 %

Commercial 175% 67 % 25 % 89 %
Pot

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|12

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
Table 9. Shatter Resistance Index of the Biodegradable Nursery Pots (%)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Mean

BP-1 100 % 99.93 % 99.81 % 99.91 %

BP-2 100 % 99.98 % 99.93 % 99.97 %

BP-3 97.2 % 97.06 % 99.76 % 98.01 %

Commercial 100 % 99.99 % 100 % 100 %

Pot

REFERENCES

Bakar,N., Chin,S.C.,Siregar,J.P., & Ngien,S.K.(2020). A review on physical, mechanical,

thermal properties and chemical composition of plant fibers. IOP Conference
Series: Materials Science and Engineering.
[Link]

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|13

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
Bui,H.,Sebaibi,N.,Boutouil,M.,& Levacher,D.(2020).Determination and review of physical
and mechanical properties of raw and treated coconut fibers for their recycling in
construction [Link]://doi:10.3390/fib8060037

Calixto, J.J., Bannawi, A.F., Andres, K., Marcos, V., Pregillana5, D., Cortez, C.J., Flores,
R.K., & Sarmuy L. A.(2024). Coconut fiber and pulverized rice husk as alternative
ingredients in constructing cement board. International Journal of Innovation and
Industrial Revolution (IJREV),6(16),95-109.
[Link]

Dewangan, D., Dr. Victor, V.M., & Verma, N.(2022). Performance evaluation of cattle
dung based automataic pot making machine. The Pharma Innovation Journal,
11(6),2056-2062. [Link]

Jaya,J.D.,Elma,M.,& Nugroho,A.(2022).Physical and mechanical properties of

biodegradable pot derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch and sodium
[Link] Archives of Biology and Technology.
[Link]

Jaya,J.D.,Majid,A.,Nuryati, & Ningsih,Y.(2024). Biodegradable pot from oil palm fronds

waste: Production process, physical properties, and biodegradability
[Link] Jurnal Teknologi Industri Pertanian,18(3),753-760.
[Link]

Johnston, H.(1962).The decomposition of cellulose by soil fungi. Ohio J. Science,

2(62).[Link]

Hasan,K.M.F.,Horvàth,P.G.,Bak,M.,& Alpar,T.(2021).A state-of-the-art review on coir

fiber-reinforced biocomposites. Royal Society of Chemistry,10548-10571.
[Link]

Ibiyeye, D.E., Adedipe, J.O., Olunlyo, O.O., & Akala, A.O.(2021). Effect of coconut coir
and poultry manure on the growth and yield of amaranthus hybridus L. Journal of
Research in Forestry, Wildlife & Environment ,13(2).
[Link]

Mirad, S.N., Violet, Khairun, N., & Jurian, N.M.(2023). Testing of organic pots based on
materials of galam skin waste (melaleuca cajaputi), hyacinth (eichhornia crassipes)
and manure. RJOAS: Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic
Sciences, 5(137). [Link]

Mishra, L. and Basu, G.(2020). Coconut fibre: Its structure, properties and applications.
Handbook of Natural Fibres. [Link]

Roeswitawati, D., Fatonah, S.N., & Iriany, A. (2019). Study of the use of organic polybags
based on water hyacinthand coconut fiber on growth and result of big red chili (
capsicum annum L.). 6th International Conference on Community Development,
349. [Link]

Santosa, S., Hassan, M.S., Kasim, A.H., & Santosa R.A.P. (2023). Effect pf biopotting
quality on growth and morphological quality of jackfruit artocarpus heterophyllus
lamk. seedlings. Jurnal Sains dan Teknologi, 12(1),242-249.
[Link]

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|14

 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Isabela
Maconacon National High School
Senior High School
Sharma, B., Dr. Pooja,S L., Dr. Challa, L., & Dr. Preethi, M. (2024). Banana fibre pots: A
green solution for sustainable agriculture. International Journal of Agriculture
Extension and Social Development, 7(6), 179-182.
[Link]

Tomadoni, B., Merino, D., Casalongue, C., & Alvarez, V. (2020). Biodegradable materials
for planting pots. Materials Research Foundation, 68, 85-103.
[Link]

Yadav, A. N., Kour, D., Kaur, T., Devi, R., Yadav, A., Dikilitas, M., Abdel-Azeem, A.,
Ahluwalia, A.S., & Saxena, A.K. (2021). Biodiversity, and biotechnological
contribution of beneficial soil microbiomes for nutrient cycling, plant growth
improvement and nutrient uptake. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology.
[Link]

Eco-Innovation in Horticulture: Utilizing Coconut Fiber for Biodegradable Nursery Pots|15