Qualifying and quantifying analysis of biodegradable biocomposite pots to unravel structural insights for sustainable agricultural applications

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates the chemical composition, structural evolution, and agronomic performance of biodegradable cultivating pots fabricated from sugarcane bagasse reinforced with natural lignocellulosic fillers. Alkaline pretreatment using sodium hydroxide enhanced fiber–matrix interfacial bonding through lignin and hemicellulose reduction, as confirmed by FTIR and XRD analyses. SEM–EDX characterization revealed high carbon content (34.5–54.4%) and the presence of essential plant nutrients, indicating favorable structural biodegradability and nutrient-recycling potential. Greenhouse trials demonstrated a 13% increase in pepper yield for plants cultivated in treated biocomposite pots, thus proving their agronomic performance efficacy. In addition, quantitative image-based analysis of SEM micrographs using ImageJ and OriginPro enabled the assessment of microstructural homogeneity, grain intensity, surface porosity, and surface topography, including roughness and waviness, supported by 2-D fast Fourier transformation. This single-step analytical framework establishes a transferable pathway for evaluating alternative fillers and binders and enables the rational design of customized biodegradable cultivating pots tailored to specific plant requirements, thereby supporting circular economy strategies and future sustainable agricultural systems.