Studies on the Suitable Rot-Proof Processes for Manufacturing More Sustainable Jute Based Nursery Pot

Shamina Jafrin, F.A. Dilruba, Md. Kaiser Haider

Cellulosic jute fabric was treated with different types of rot proofing agent for increasing the durability of the jute based nursery pot. Different types of rot-proofing salts were found in the market but among these it was found that copper compound was the best chemical to use as a rot proofing agent. In this experiment, two different types of processes were optimized. These processes were a) Carpet backing clothes (CBC) were treated with different concentrations of a mixture of copper sulphate and sodium carbonate solution and b) jute fabrics were treated with different concentrations of comsol solutions. The treated jute fabrics were tested and evaluated for determination of liquor pick-up, tensile strength, copper deposition, cost analysis, soil effect, and plant growth rate to optimize the longevity of the natural product as jute nursery pot. Seeds were sown in the jute based nursery pots. This experiment was conducted in the soil condition. The longevity of the jute based nursery pots were increased by rot-proofing treatment. After certain period, jute nursery pots were converted into biomass. This product does not create any harmful effect on the environment for plantation and their production, use and disposal. It was observed that, 25% comsol solution treated jute nursery pots exhibited a maximum longevity of fourteen months but10% copper sulphate mixed with 2% sodium carbonate treated jute nursery pots showed durability about fifteen months. Comsol is a costly chemical but copper sulphate salt is cheap. From the experiments, it was found that by increasing the percentage of copper sulphate solution (12% and14%) for the treatment of jute nursery pot, the percentage of copper deposition was increased but tensile strength of the fabric was decreased. The longevity of more sustainable jute nursery pot was about fifteen months and it was achieved by 10% copper sulphate solution treatment. The treated nursery pots rather showed better growth rates of the plants in comparison to those plants of control pot. This treatment did not change the neutral nature of the soil. It was found from soil analysis that jute nursery pot converted into biomass. Jute is a 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly material and do not pollute our environment like poly pot. We should encourage the uses of jute products so that we can contribute to our environment to make our planet a clean and healthy place to live.