Root Cause: A Study of Symbiotic Biomaterials for Self-Fertilizing Planters
"""Root Cause: A Material Development and Study of Naturally Fertilizing Planters"" explores the potential for biomaterials to create a symbiotic relationship between the product, the user, and the environment. This project aims to develop a planter made from biodegradable materials embedded with natural fertilizers like crushed eggshells, fungi, and banana peels—materials that decompose over time, releasing nutrients into the soil. The goal is to design a product that not only supports plant growth but also improves soil health through its own breakdown, mimicking natural cycles of nutrient replenishment found in undisturbed ecosystems.
This work-in-progress is part of my Industrial Design course, Prototypes 2, and is rooted in research around agricultural sustainability and the limitations of monocropping. Modern agriculture relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, which strip the soil of nutrients and create long-term damage. This project challenges that cycle by introducing a closed-loop system where the planter material itself becomes a source of nourishment.
The project engages with broader conversations about sustainable agriculture, food insecurity, and urban resilience. By targeting urban dwellers with limited access to fresh produce and growing space, the design introduces a scalable, modular solution that encourages community participation. The planters could be connected with neighbors, creating shared growing networks and fostering collective learning about natural soil enrichment.
The work seeks to bridge the gap between product design and agriculture by creating a functional yet educational product—one that teaches users how to integrate food waste into soil health while addressing the environmental challenges of modern food production."
