Agricultural biodegradable material. Part 1. Obtaining and studying materials based on leaf litter without the use of binders

This paper focuses on the development of materials for agricultural applications using leaf litter, formed through compression hot molding without the addition of synthetic or mineral binders. The paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, the results are presented on the characteristics of the molding material based on leaf litter of various granular sizes, where initial samples were formed into discs to evaluate their physical and mechanical properties. This was done to establish the optimal conditions and rational modes for producing these materials. Based on the mass loss observed when exposed to soil (indicating the greatest degree of degradation), and considering the specific results obtained for physical and mechanical properties, it is suggested that samples based on a 1.2 mm fraction be used for further study. Upon the results of the initial phase of the study, recommendations were made for subsequent research aimed at developing materials to facilitate the cultivation process of planting (in the form of seedlings of agricultural crops) within the produced materials.