| By :
Adrianna Noton
Potash is a term that refers to a group of minerals and chemicals that are rich in potassium, and found within the earth's crust. Potash is a naturally reactive element, so it is always found in compounds. The most dominant form of potash that is found in the potash market is called potassium chloride, which has goes by the chemical symbol of KCI. Potassium chloride is a pink, salty mineral that occurs naturally in the earth, and Canada is the top global producer and exporter. Potash stock in Canada is quite abundant, but what is potash used for? Although potash can have several different uses, up to 95% of all of the potash produced is used in the agriculture industry to make fertilizer. Potash stock is used as one element of compound fertilizers, along with nitrogen and phosphate. This type of plant food is typically referred to as NPK fertilizer. As a plant nutrient, potash works to strengthen the cell walls, helps the plants to retain water and enhances the plant's ability to fight off disease. Nitrogen and phosphate absorption is also increased when potash is used as a fertilizer. Potassium's function in the fertilization process can't be substituted by any other nutrient, making the role of potash very important. In places where the soil is deficient in potassium, using potash-based fertilizers will improve the overall quality of the plant and ultimately increase crop yields. Potassium helps to protect a plant against extremes in temperature and against problems like weeds or insects. Virtually every form of stress that a plant may encounter is eased by the use of a potash fertilizer. Potash stock that's used in fertilizer will help prevent wilting and keep the roots and stems strong. When the plant itself is being used for food, the presence of potash in the fertilizer can ensure healthy plants are brought to maturity and the food supply is not disrupted. Potassium derived from potash stock even has an influence on the formation of starches and proteins within the plant, having an impact on over 60 different enzyme systems. Potash is a very profitable mineral, as the need for high quality plant nutrients is evident all around the world. The ability to grow sustainable and healthy crops goes a long way to providing nutrients to many people in many different countries. Biofuels are another growing industry where the need for quality fertilizer is strong. The demand for fertilizer sees producers mine potassium from potash ore deposits that occur naturally in the earth's crust. These potash stock deposits were created when oceans and seas evaporated, leaving behind the potash. Many potash stocks are covered with thousands of feet of dirt and rock, making the mining process quite labor intensive. Once the deposits are found and the potash is brought up to the surface, any minerals that aren't needed are taken out and the potash itself is granulated to use as a fertilizer ingredient.
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