News » 01.10.2025 - Banana biomass as a sustainable substrate

Banana biomass, a by-product of banana cultivation, is now being developed into a horticultural substrate by Southeastern Fiber Corporation, a biotechnology company based in North Carolina, USA.

CEO Christopher Curzon shares about the company's work and the characteristics of its banana-based product, Banana Bloom.

Company background and origins
Southeastern Fiber Corporation has been operating in Central America for over a decade. Initially focused on banana cultivation and export, the company pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional market channels were disrupted. According to Chris, this shift led to a new focus: processing banana plant trunks into fibrous biomass for various industrial applications, including horticulture.

"We began growing bananas and exporting to food companies, but when our buyers shut down during COVID, we shifted toward biotechnology and started working with banana biomass for substrates."

The company operates in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, collaborating with local banana growers to collect post-harvest banana trunks which is usually left as waste in the fields. Southeastern Fiber holds a patent on the processing method and now supplies banana biomass primarily for horticultural use under the name Banana Bloom.

Properties of banana biomass
According to Chris, banana biomass offers several distinctive physical characteristics. "It is hydrophilic, so unlike hydrophobic materials such as peat or coir, banana biomass naturally attracts and absorbs water," he shares. "the material can act as a natural surfactant, allowing it to rapidly wet peat, coco and wood-based materials without the need for chemical wetting agents." He also commented on the structural integrity of the product. "Due to its fibrous and cellulosic nature, banana biomass retains structure even after repeated wetting and drying cycles.

"You don't have to prep it or soak it. It absorbs water immediately and doesn't expand or collapse. We've made samples where the biomass holds the shape of a container for months, even when wet."

This ability to retain shape and structure may help reduce common greenhouse issues such as soil collapse, particularly during transport or after heavy irrigation.

Water efficiency and retention
One of the key advantages cited is the material's water-holding capacity. "Banana is a hollow fiber, so it retains water efficiently in the root zone," he adds.
"This can reduce the amount of water lost through percolation, making irrigation more efficient."

Growers using Banana Bloom have reported greater water retention, leading to potential savings in both water use and irrigation time.

There have been recent studies using 100% banana biomass for propagation, and those results have been very promising. They show strong germination and healthy root development.

Sustainability and supply chain
Banana biomass is considered a sustainable and renewable resource. The plants grow quickly, reaching heights of 12 to 18 feet in as little as seven months, and regenerate continuously after harvest.

According to Chris, the biomass is sourced from existing commercial banana farms, meaning no additional land or irrigation is required for substrate production. This contributes to its low environmental impact.

In terms of supply reliability, he emphasizes the resilience of the Central American supply chain, noting that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, their exports were not significantly disrupted.

"We've been exporting from Central America for 12 years with no cancellations or delays, including through COVID."

Mixing and application in greenhouse substrates
Banana Bloom can be used as a standalone substrate or blended with other materials such as peat, coir, or wood-based products. Common mix ratios vary depending on the crop and production method, but Chris notes that a typical blend might include 15–30% banana biomass.

The material is currently being used by growers on crops ranging from grasses and flowers to vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.

"It can be used similarly to other substrates. The ratios can be adjusted depending on whether you're growing annuals, perennials, or vegetables."

Banana biomass's surfactant nature can eliminate the need for liquid surfactants and the typical processes of wetting that often use significant amounts of water and waiting for full saturation. Banana Bloom can be mixed in dry and thereafter only requires normal watering in the trays or pots.

Nutrient content and fertilization
Laboratory analysis shows that banana biomass contains nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and trace elements like boron. However, Southeastern Fiber currently does not promote Banana Bloom as a nutrient source, especially for short-cycle crops.

"The nutrient release is very slow due to the integrity of the structure, so we recommend growers stick with their usual fertilizer programs," he advises.

Reusability and longevity
Compared to other substrates, banana biomass appears to degrade slowly, making it suitable for reuse over multiple growing cycles. Chris adds that growers have reported less substrate loss and structural breakdown over time when using Banana Bloom.

"With banana, you won't lose as much material during the season, and you won't need to top off soil mixes as frequently."

This durability could help reduce substrate replacement costs, particularly in longer production cycles or containerized crops.

"We're not here to replace the traditional materials, just to offer another option. One that's renewable, reliable, and in many ways, very effective."
 

 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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