A farm in Ecuador proves that it’s possible to restore ecosystems and break the conventional chemical cycle
Banana growers worldwide face several challenges, primarily from aggressive phytopathogens that have decimated entire varieties. In order to address these challenges, conventional banana farming has for decades relied on an escalating cycle of synthetic fertilizers and intensive use of herbicides, fungicides, and other chemical interventions.
The long-term results of this conventional paradigm have been an increase in frequency and intensity of these practices, soil degradation and erosion, poor water retention, and a decrease in the nutritional quality of the fruit. This affects ten million acres of banana farms all over the world, primarily concentrated in Latin America. Bananas are the most consumed fresh fruit in the world, and Latin America currently produces 80 per cent of them.
Phytopathogens: The Main Enemy
Around 1990, Black Sigatoka (Pseudocercospora fijiensis) appeared in the Americas. Producers were able to control this devastating foliar disease using fungicides, but, as a result, chemical resistance emerged. To maintain control, more frequent applications became necessary, and today a combination of two fungicides is typically used in each application. In Central America, industry standards often reach as many as 70 applications per year. In my country of Ecuador, some regions average 25 applications per year, while in more aggressive areas the average reaches 50.
The destruction of the ecosystem and the soil have led to a surge in insect pressure. Pests such as Red Rust Thrips, Banana Fruit Scarring Beetle, and Sooty Mold are among the main ones affecting bananas. Heavy applications of different types of insecticides are being used. Bacterial diseases are also increasingly spreading; the most important one is Moko disease, which attacks the plant’s vascular system, causing its total collapse and internal rot.
But the most feared disease facing bananas is Panama Disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4), caused by a fungus. It is the most serious and threatening disease facing the global banana industry today. It devastated the Gros Michel variety in the 20th century and severely affects the Cavendish (the main export variety) today.
In sum, the banana industry faces serious challenges. Conventional bananas are loaded with chemicals and nutritional deficiencies. Something has to be done if we want to continue eating bananas into the future.
Case Study: San José Farm
San José Farm, located in Machala, Ecuador, has been cultivating bananas since 1960. My father acquired the farm in 1972 and managed it conventionally for decades. In 1979, when I was a child, fertilizers were applied only once or twice a year. Fungicides and other chemicals were non-existent because diseases were simply absent.
However, by the 1980s, Yellow Sigatoka became more severe. Initially it was managed with just agricultural spray oil, two or three times during the rainy season. The real shift occurred in the 1990s with the arrival of Black Sigatoka. This ushered in the era of synthetic fungicides and a dramatic increase in fertilization — reaching as much as 130–180 pounds per acre every four to six weeks.
I took over the farm in 2010 with a lifelong curiosity about why plants and animals acquire diseases. I began by applying biologicals — beneficial bacteria and fungi — across 80 acres. While I saw an immediate improvement in production and results from mixing compost with my fertilization program, I still couldn’t break free from fungicides. I felt something fundamental was missing.
I immersed myself in the works of John Kempf, Gabe Brown, Mark Shepard, Suzanne Simard, Christine Jones, Merlin Sheldrake, etc., alongside countless scientific papers. I began to understand that I didn’t just need new inputs; I needed a new ecosystem.
Natural Succession and Biological Restoration
In 2021, I decided to move beyond conventional cover crops and instead follow natural succession restoration. I allowed nature to grow whatever it chose alongside the bananas.
The first pioneer species to emerge was Rottboellia cochinchinensis, known locally as Chilena. Within a year, it covered every inch of bare soil before dying back naturally. It was succeeded by a diverse community of broadleaf plants, including Ageratum conyzoides (billygoat weed), Commelina diffusa (spreading dayflower), Momordica charantia (bitter melon), Mimosa pudica (legume known as shameplant) and Pteridium aquilinum (eagle fern). This botanical diversity triggered an explosion of beneficial insect life. Over time, bushes and even select trees began to emerge, and I allowed them to remain as part of the restorative process.
Integrating Livestock and Nutrient Cycling
A regenerative system is incomplete without animals. To facilitate nutrient cycling without harming the bananas, I introduced approximately 1,200 chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. For grazing, I brought in 100 Pelibuey sheep, an African hair-sheep variety.
The poultry are moved every two days within a mobile mesh system covering about a half acre, while the sheep graze freely. As long as there is sufficient ground vegetation, the sheep do not harm the banana offspring (pups).
By letting the vegetation return in 2021, I was able to withdraw potassium applications entirely, as tissue analysis showed sufficient levels. Nitrogen has gradually decreased; two years have passed without a single soil application of nitrogen.
The Foliar Breakthrough
The transition wasn’t without struggle. Our yields fluctuated — not due to nutrient deficiencies, but because of Black Sigatoka outbreaks during the period when I stopped using synthetic fungicides. However, I discovered that the key to maintaining health during this transition lies in foliar nutrition.
I developed a foliar mix containing key beneficial biologicals and micronutrients. This provides the plants with the targeted support they need to increase Brix levels and build their own immunity. Now, after more than 18 months without a single fungicide, insecticide, or pesticide, our yields are rising — at times surpassing the top conventional farms in the region.
This journey has proven that it is possible to transition from a chemical-dependent monoculture to a thriving regenerative ecosystem. While my first transition was slow, the knowledge I’ve gained has allowed me to help partners on another farm to move directly into a chemical-free system without a gradual withdrawal phase. We’ve achieved great success with this so far. Looking ahead, my goal is to further diversify San José Farm by integrating other cash crops, such as cocoa and coffee, into this resilient system.
