World · India Bureau
Teen innovator converts plantain waste into eco-friendly agricultural mulch
A Puerto Rican seventh-grader has developed a biodegradable mulch from discarded plantain peels that reduces weed growth by more than half while addressing plastic waste in agriculture. The innovation has earned recognition as a finalist in a prestigious international science competition.
LSN India ·
Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera has transformed agricultural waste into a practical solution for sustainable farming by converting plantain peels into a biodegradable mulch product called EcoMusa. The project addresses two pressing agricultural challenges: the management of organic waste and the environmental impact of synthetic mulching materials.
During testing, EcoMusa demonstrated significant agronomic benefits. The mulch reduced weed growth by up to 53 percent while simultaneously retaining soil moisture and lowering soil temperatures—effects that could translate into reduced labour costs and improved crop yields for farmers.
The seventh-grader's work represents an innovative application of agricultural by-products that are typically discarded. Plantain peels, abundant in major producing regions, are often treated as waste despite their potential value as soil amendments and protective coverings.
Feliciano-Rivera's project has gained recognition beyond her home region, earning a finalist position in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. The competition honours young scientists who develop solutions addressing global challenges in sustainability and innovation.