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POTASH by Jonathan Buhalis
Description

Potash, the "ash from the pot", refers to various compounds of potassium. Potassium is critical to healthy plant growth and was historically obtained by leaching it out of wood ashes. Potash is now commonly obtained by underground mining, then converted to fertilizer. (The art shown below is the wall of a potash mine.)



Various forms of potash are available worldwide, but Canada is the largest producer. The widespread use of potash in agriculture is shown in the following graphs representing major developed countries:

Minerals
Agricultural:
Boron
Nitrogen
Phosphates
Potash
Sulfur
Biological and medical:
Barium
Bromine
Calcium
Iodine
Salt
Strontium
Water
Construction:
Cement
Dimension stone
Gypsum
Gemstones:
Diamond
Emerald
Ruby
Composites and Advanced Materials:
Biocomposites
Carbon fiber
Concrete
Optical fiber
Steel alloys
Superalloys
Superconductors
Periodic table