Potassium: closing the loop
Potassium is a widely used fertiliser in agriculture. Global shortages will affect future food production across the world. To meet an ever increasing demand, we need to manage global potassium production sustainably.
Project leader
Dr Oliver Heidrich
Dates
February 2017 to March 2018
Project staff
Prof David Manning
Dr Natalia Yakoleva
Dr Alistair Ford
Description
More than 90% of mined potash goes into fertiliser production.
We are investigating potassium and other non-renewable resources for food production in the UK. We are looking at the life of these resources from extraction to transport and use. Our research shows a need for more effective monitoring of mineral supply chains for agriculture. Cities are responsible for the majority of global consumption. Thus, this is especially true in providing sustainable food sources for cities.