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Fertilizer use is the main driver behind potash consumption, especially for its use in fertilizing crops that contribute to high-protein diets. [22]: 23 As of at least 2010, more than 95% of potash is mined for use in agricultural purposes. [22]: 24 Elemental potassium does not occur in nature because it reacts violently with water. [34]
[22] [18] The industry developed out of demand for ashed soda, or potash, which was used to create glass and soap, and led to shortages for agricultural applications in traditional coastal communities. Potash is a water-soluble potassium rich concentrate made from plant matter, so it was also exported as a fertilizer. [18]
One of the major sources for chemical fertilizers is potash ore. [2] The other concern with the potash ore is the supply is finite and is running out, hence the increase in pricing. [1] Potash is one of the major sources for potassium and phosphorus and one of the original agrominerals. [2]
Because potash imparts excellent clarity to glass, it is commonly used in eyeglasses, glassware, televisions, and computer monitors. [ citation needed ] Because natural potassium contains a tiny amount of the isotope potassium-40 , potassium chloride is used as a beta radiation source to calibrate radiation monitoring equipment .
Metallurgists Percy Gilchrist (1851–1935) and Sidney Gilchrist Thomas (1850–1885) invented the Gilchrist–Thomas process, which enabled the use of high phosphorus acidic Continental ores for steelmaking. The dolomite lime lining of the converter turned in time into calcium phosphate, which could be used as fertilizer, known as Thomas ...
Agricultural use of inorganic fertilizers in 2021 was 195 million tonnes of nutrients, of which 56% was nitrogen. [20] Asia represented 53% of the world's total agricultural use of inorganic fertilizers in 2021, followed by the Americas (29%), Europe (12%), Africa (4%) and Oceania (2%). This ranking of the regions is the same for all nutrients.
Potash mining has generated lot of interest in recent years. Allana Potash, a Canadian mining company is poised to start mining for potash in the Afar Regional State while the Indian Sainik Potash has been working in the Dallol depression. [8] Prospecting for iron, gold and base metals is also in progress in many regions of the country.
Fertigation is practiced extensively in commercial agriculture and horticulture. Fertigation is also increasingly being used for landscaping as dispenser units become more reliable and easier to use. Fertigation is used to add additional nutrients or to correct nutrient deficiencies detected in plant tissue analysis.