Researchers Explore Using Recycled Glass as Soil Substitute

The American Chemical Society announced the results of a pilot study that explored using recycled glass fragments as a partial substitute for soil in planters growing vegetables. Researchers report that cilantro, bell pepper, and jalapeño can be cultivated in planters with part of the soil replaced with recycled glass from discarded, pulverized bottles. The study found that substituting tumbled glass particles similar in size to coarse sand for more than 50% of the soil speeds up plant development and reduces unwanted fungal growth.