Search

Plastic containers used in agricultural operations accumulate in the soil, reducing soil fertility and eventually becoming hazardous to humans. The alternatives for these are biodegradable containers that are good for sustainable agriculture. Consequently, biodegradable containers were produced during 2021 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, from three biomaterials (i.e., bamboo culm sheath, banana pseudostem, and corn husk) in the present study as alternatives for plastic containers in agricultural production. The fibre morphological properties of the biomaterials were evaluated based on International Association of Wood Anatomists standards before the formation of the containers. The tensile strength, moisture absorption, and thickness swelling, and biodegradability of the containers were also determined using the American Standards for Testing and Materials. The fibre characteristics of the biomaterials matched the acceptable standard for producing paper containers. Corn husk containers absorbed a high amount of water (203.33%) and swelled more in thickness (41.63%). Banana pseudostem and bamboo culm sheath containers had high tensile strengths (i.e., 6586.46 ± 49.38 N/m and 6437.69 ± 402.64 N/m respectively) although these were lower than that of the plastic containers (8406.72 ± 44.48 N/m). The containers from the biomaterials completely degraded on or before the 60th day in the soil. The biomaterial containers would contribute to the development of modern agriculture since they will degrade, prevent root circling and promote plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of chemical composition of sawdust on the nutritional profile of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) has yet to receive significant research attention. This information will help mushroom growers to select specific sawdust for the production of mushroom with desired dietary preferences. This study assessed the influence of the chemical composition of sawdust on the macronutrients and ash content of the pearl oyster mushrooms. The American Standard for Testing Materials and other widely accepted protocols were used to determine the C-N ratio, pH, lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose contents of mixed sawdust from tropical wood species. The study evaluated the fat, crude fibre, crude protein, carbohydrate, and ash content of the oyster mushroom cultivated on the sawdust. Cellulose constituted the largest component of the sawdust (47.82%), followed by lignin (33.29%). The yield of the mushroom (on 0.05 kg of sawdust) ranged from 490.1 to 540.9 g (biological efficiency: 44–50%); the average carbohydrates constituent in the mushroom was 56.28%. pH of the sawdust influenced the crude protein, carbohydrate, fat and ash content of oyster mushrooms (p<0.05) most significantly. The hemicelluloses also had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the mushroom's minerals, fat and crude fiber content. The study revealed that the mushroom producers would likely obtain high protein content using sawdust with low pH (slightly acidic to slightly basic) in the oyster mushroom. Mushrooms grown on substrates, rich in hemicelluloses, had low fat and high crude fiber content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]