Potassium is widely used as a fertiliser in agriculture, and global shortages will affect future food production across the world. Highest growth in demand will come from Africa, Latin America and South Asia, relying heavily on potash fertiliser imports. To meet this need, global potassium production needs to be managed sustainably, as more than 90% of mined potash goes into fertiliser production.
Who will benefit
Research led by Dr Oliver Heidrich and Dr Natalia Yakovleva looks to improve the use of potassium and other non-renewable resources for food production in the UK. Potassium is a key nutrients necessary to plant growth besides nitrogen and phosphorous.
The work is important to the future of food security throughout the world, especially for the supply of potassium in Africa and South Asia. Potassium is used extensively in fertiliser inputs for agriculture, but is not widely recycled. It follows a one-way waste stream from extraction to disposal.
To provide a bigger picture for how cities consume potassium researchers at Newcastle University have, for the first time, mapped global potassium supply chains from ‘mine to mouth’. This research highlights the need for more effective monitoring of mineral supply chains for agriculture. Particularly in providing sustainable food sources for cities which account for the majority of global consumption.
We want to work with international collaborators in academia, industry and the public sector to help improve the sustainability of fertiliser supply chains and discover ways of feeding urban populations without compromising countries’ mineral resources.
Let's work together
If you're interested in working with us on a future research project, or would like to collaborate, email us today: .
