Decline in Potash Content in Agricultural Soils Worldwide and Need for Regular Inputs of Potash to Maintain Good Productivity to Boost Demand for Potash Fertilizers

Potash Fertilizers


Potassium salts in the form of nitrates, sulfates and chlorides are the forms of potash used in fertilizer. There are two types of potash fertilizers available in the market: wet and dry. Wet potash deposits are those formed during the process of river dredging and river revitalization. The minerals in these deposits are very fine and often, it takes millions of years for any noticeable potash effects to appear. However, these fine deposits can be very valuable because they provide excellent base materials for the various industries including manufacturing, construction and farming.

There are various sources of potash fertilizers that include, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium-magnesium sulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and potassium nitrate. Potassium chloride is usually the least expensive source of potash. Potassium nitrate finds application in high-yielding crops. Potash fertilizers tend to improve the fertility of the soil by promoting the development of microorganisms. They increase the fertility of the plant by regulating the nitrogen level in it. Potash does this by providing a source of nitrogen to the plants through its potassium content. This happens because potassium, like sulfur, forms a protective layer on the roots of the plants. When plants get their nitrogen from potash, they do not need to manure the land in order to do their job of increasing the nitrogen content of the soil. This further ensures that the nutrients are being properly distributed in the soil.

Another advantage of potash fertilizers is its capability of decrease the level of salt in the soil, as a result, the soil is able to retain water. This helps control the evaporation process and makes sure that the water stays in the soil, as compared to moving out due to heavy rains. Potash is known to neutralize the effects of various salts. Potash absorption also reduces the amount of the sodium and calcium in the soil, as these minerals are known to cause damage to the roots of the plants through rotting.

Potash fertilizers are very useful for increasing the fertility of the soil. It is available in the form of a powdery substance. The powdery form is highly soluble in water and hence, can easily be mixed into the water for application.  Potash plays a major role in soil where the pH is alkaline. It increases the pH in soil. Potash promotes large fruit and vegetable yields and enhances plant health. Potassium must be adequately supplied in the soil to maintain good growth of plants. Low supply of potassium may reduce yields and increase use of water. Moreover, the plants may become more susceptible to pest and disease damage, which decreases the quality of yield.

In the recent past, agricultural soils across the world have witnessed decline in potash content. Such scenario has increased the need for regular inputs of potash to maintain good productivity. However, excess use of potash fertilizers can cause problems for plants that prefer acidic or balanced pH soils.

easily be mixed into the water for application.  Potash plays a major role in soil where the pH is alkaline. It increases the pH in soil. Potash promotes large fruit and vegetable yields and enhances plant health. Potassium must be adequately supplied in the soil to maintain good growth of plants. Low supply of potassium may reduce yields and increase use of water. Moreover, the plants may become more susceptible to pest and disease damage, which decreases the quality of yield.

In the recent past, agricultural soils across the world have witnessed decline in potash content. Such scenario has increased the need for regular inputs of potash to maintain good productivity. However, excess use of potash fertilizers can cause problems for plants that prefer acidic or balanced pH soils.

  

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