Field Trial Proves Successful Uptake Of Micronutrients
Lithium Australia NL’s (ASX: LIT) 90%-owned subsidiary Envirostream Australia Pty Ltd has successfully wrapped u[ field testing of fertiliser blends containing manganese micronutrients derived from spent alkaline batteries recycled by Envirostream.
The field trial commenced in June 2020 with harvesting completed in December of that year.
Analysis of the harvested grain showed a statistically significant (p <0.05) trend for manganese uptake over both the control (no fertiliser) and commercially available treatments used for the trial.
Lithium Australia Managing Director, Adrian Griffin, said this excellent result demonstrates that wheat cultivation can benefit from the manganese present in fertiliser blends containing the manganese recovered from spent alkaline batteries by Envirostream.
Mr Griffin said results from field trials will be made available to fertiliser companies. Meanwhile, Envirostream will continue to work on advancing the use of recycled battery materials in blended fertiliser products.
“Field testing has demonstrated the efficacy of micronutrients derived from spent, single- use alkaline batteries,” Mr Grifin said.
“Rather than being consigned to landfill, where they are potentially an environmental hazard, these batteries can be recycled to produce materials that benefit the environment by improving crop yields.
“As another facet of Envirostream’s commitment to developing leading battery recycling technologies, it sets that company apart from its peers.”
