PhD: Next-generation fertilisers for nutrient stewardship in cotton production

About half of the world’s used soda-lime glass (container glass) is unfit for recycling, but a newly developed process can extract sodium silicate from it. Sodium silicate is a feedstock widely used in making detergents, paper and shoes. New evidence also suggests its use as a fertiliser for plant growth, especially where phosphorous is limited. However, the cost of plant-available silicate generally outweighs the benefit in broadacre cropping. This PhD project focuses on improving glass processing and finding ways to create a cheaper soluble silica fertiliser.