Global Potassium Shortage Threatens Food Security
Researchers call for urgent action to address soil nutrient depletion and safeguard agricultural yields.
- Potassium deficiency in soils poses a significant threat to global food security, with around 20% of agricultural soils worldwide facing severe shortages.
- The imbalance between potassium removal and replenishment in soils is exacerbated by intensive agricultural practices, particularly in regions like South-East Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Potash prices experienced a 500% increase in April 2022 due to factors like rising fertilizer demand, fuel prices, and geopolitical tensions, making it difficult for farmers to access sufficient fertilizer.
- Potash mining, concentrated in a few countries, raises environmental and human rights concerns, with significant impacts on soil and water tables.
- Researchers propose six recommendations to address the issue, including global assessment of potassium stocks, monitoring price fluctuations, and developing a circular potassium economy.
The Conversation 