InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — At a national palm oil farmers’ seminar in Kalimantan, my attention was captured by a short article written by an expert on “Ganoderma Control and Nursery Prevention Using Biodegradable Nursery Bags (BNB).” His recommendations were compelling, especially since Ganoderma has long been a serious threat in oil palm cultivation.
The expert highlighted eight advantages of BNBs. However, two points require deeper reflection—particularly point 7, which claims that BNBs decompose completely within 8–10 months, and point 4, which states that coco peat reduces the risk of Ganoderma contamination.
From Field Experience and Microplastics Research
My response is based on two things:
• my experience examining ten oil palm seedlings aged 2–3 months grown in BNBs received in February 2024;
• my role as a microplastics (MP) researcher at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).
UMM’s earlier findings, published by InfoSAWIT in May 2025, revealed that 33 brands of cooking oil and even fried snacks in Malang were contaminated with microplastics. These findings later appeared in international journals.
Naturally, as researchers, we ask: Where do microplastics originate? From nurseries? Atmospheric fallout (“microplastic rain”)? Refinery processes? Packaging materials?
Microplastics Found in Leaves, Stems, Roots, and Coco Peat
Using light microscopy (40–100×), we discovered microplastics in the leaves and stems of three-month-old seedlings. The roots contained even more, and the coco peat showed high MP contamination levels.
These observations recurred monthly as we sampled two BNBs at a time.
Challenging the Claim of “Complete Decomposition”
Our findings directly contradict the claim that BNBs “fully degrade.”
BNBs made of synthetic polymer fibers do not disappear—they fragment into micro- and nanoplastics, which then contaminate the seedlings.
This is similar to teabags or paper cups lined with plastic that release microplastics when exposed to hot water.
Is fragmenting into microplastics really consistent with sustainability principles? This deserves further discussion.
Coco Peat Not Free from Contaminants
Although coco peat may reduce Ganoderma risks, our research shows it can contain microplastics, likely introduced during mixing with organic fertilizers.
Reducing Plastic Dependence in Oil Palm Nurseries
While eliminating microplastics entirely is difficult, the palm oil industry must reduce plastic reliance, including polybags and synthetic BNBs. UMM is developing plant-fiber-based pots and bags from coconut fiber, banana stems, and bamboo.
Yet even with alternative materials, seedlings remain exposed to “microplastic rain”—a phenomenon now widely discussed in media and social platforms. (*)
By: Roy Hendroko Setyobudi — Lecturer, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang
Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely those of the author.
