Sustainable Use of Potassium for Feeding the World
Sustainable Use of Potassium for Feeding the World
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Partnered with: World Resources Institute; MIT
- Region: Africa, Asia, Latin America
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.
How we are meeting this challenge
- Researching ways to introduce or increase sustainability of mineral supply chains for feeding human populations.
- Providing advice for international policy to improve sustainable use of non-renewable resources in the food supply chain.
- Understanding the interlinkages between local and global mineral supply chains to ensure responsible consumption and production.
- Working on sustainability assessments of the food supply chain with the food industry.
Who will benefit
Project team
- Dr Oliver Heidrich
- Dr Natalia Yakovleva
- Mr Alistair Ford
- Dr Luca Panzone
- Professor David Manning
- World Resources Institute
- MIT
Further information
If you would like to find out further information about this research area read our Potassium fertiliser and development: review of major approaches to improve supply. (PDF: 1.2MB)
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: global.challenges@ncl.ac.uk.