Flyash, produced in millions of tonnes as a waste by thermal power plants can serve as an excellent soil conditioner, studies at the Central Research Institute, Dhanbad, Bihar, show. The studies confirm that the yield of crops increases by 20-60 per cent on the addition of 25-200 tonnes of flyash per hectare. Acid-treated flyash proved to be a good source of zinc and iron for soils deficient in these minerals. This will solve the serious problem of its disposal as well as minimise environmental im pact (Everyman's Science, Vol 31, No 1).