From the labs. Zinc fertiliser from biosludge

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, has developed a process for zinc fertiliser formulation from biosludge. Chemically synthesised zinc fertilisers have limitations in terms of availability and they are effective only at certain levels. On the contrary, zinc fertiliser derived from biosludge is of a slow-release kind and increases the crop yield at half the recommended dose. The process converts post-biomethanation distillery sludge — a waste material for distilleries — into a high-efficiency zinc fertiliser.