Use of pineapple waste for production of decomposable pots

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to evaluate the suitability of pineapple waste for production of decomposable nursery pots. Methods: The experiment was completely randomized, with three replicates and eighteen formula treatments. Treatments consisted of varying ratios of pineapple waste to binder, including 2:1, 1:0 (fresh pineapple waste), 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2; the textures tested were coarse, medium, and fine, and the pot thicknesses were 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 cm. Results: The results revealed that the physical and chemical properties of pineapple waste were suitable for use in nursery pots on an experimental scale. The optimal physical and chemical properties for a decomposable pot included a 1:0 ratio of pineapple waste to binder, a coarse structure, and a pot thickness of 1 cm. With these properties, the pot degraded in more than 45 days, N and P release rates were 0.49% and 7.97 mg-P/kg, respectively, and the average absorption rate was 258.43%. Saturation occurred in 45 min, and the water evaporated in 444 h. Conclusion: In terms of cost production per pot, fresh pineapple waste cost 0.0075 USD for a three-and-a-half inch diameter decomposable pot (excluding logistical costs). Therefore, this study provides a possible method for waste management.