From quarry by-products (pumice scraps) to a foliar fertilizer rain-leaching resistant

The study develops a controlled-release zinc fertilizer using a sustainable process that operates at ambient conditions. A key innovation is the reuse of quarry by-products, specifically pumice scraps, to partially replace primary zeolitized tuff. The most effective new geomaterial incorporates 30 wt% pumice waste, maintaining adsorption and release kinetics comparable to pure raw materials. By upcycling these industrial leftovers, the formulation offers a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional salts, significantly reducing nutrient leaching and environmental waste. Further information at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2024.113290 and https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2025.113704