Abstract: A fermented material included stalk particles of monocotyledonous flowering plants which can constitute a sustainable, ecofriendly & bio-sourced material. More particularly, the fermented material includes stalk particles of monocotyledonous flowering plants and at least one filler (clay), wherein: (a) the particles have a size given by their greatest dimension Dg, in mm such as: Dg?30; (b) the specific density Ds of the material, in g dry matter per liter such as 100?Ds?250; (c) the specific water content Cw of the material is, in % by mass such as 55?Cw?95; and the carbon/nitrogen ratio C/N of the material is such as 60?C/N. A method is provided for the production of this fermented material.

Abstract: Processes for production of a plant growth substrate or a casing soil from sugar cane bagasse, and plant growth substrates produced from these processes are disclosed. The processes generally include biological removal of residual sugars, suppression of the development of cellulose degrading microorganisms so that the resulting mass loss is less than 10% of the original material dry weight, mechanical disintegration to form a disintegrated material with a defined density and porosity, reduction of pH and extraction of potassium to provide a defined electrical conductivity, and blending of the disintegrated material with one or more mineral components and plant nutrients. Additional steps in the process may include fermentation after the mechanical disintegration, and optionally addition of live organisms to add beneficial functions to the substrates. The substrate may find use as potting soil or blending components for soil mixes, or as casing soil for the production of mushroom.