MUHAMMAD HARIZ BIN MOHD KHAIRUL ANUAR MRSM PARIT
Chemical fertilisers harm the environment, prompting this study to develop a biodegradable, self-regulating fertiliser from domestic waste, supporting SDGs 12, 14, and 15. Eggshells, tea grounds, and banana peels provided calcium carbonate, nitrogen, and potassium, with aloe vera gel and cornstarch as natural binders. The fertiliser beads withstood 600–900g of weight and showed 47.8% longer onion leaf growth versus 22.2% from chemical fertilisers over 3 days. Plants using the beads grew one extra leaf. Rated at TRL 6, the prototype shows promise for further development, including studies on decomposition rate, nutrient release, root growth, and leaf morphology.