A research titled, ‘Global food security threatened by potassium neglect’ was published | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    A research titled, ‘Global food security threatened by potassium neglect’ was published

    Posted 21 Feb 2024

    Updated 21 Mar 2024

    2 min read

    • Potassium (K), alongside nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), is a vital nutrient for plant growth.
      • In India, NPK ratio of 4:2:1 is considered ideal for macro-level monitoring of consumption of plant nutrients. 
      • Potassium in soil can exist in four pools based on its availability for uptake by plant roots, namely, Soil solution K, Exchangeable K, Nonexchangeable K and Mineral K.
        • Largest pool of these is the mineral pool (e.g. feldspars and micas), but it is unavailable for plant use.

     

    • Key Findings of the research
      • An estimated 20% of global agricultural soils face severe potassium deficiency.
      • Negative soil potassium balances: More potassium is removed by crops than applied as inputs in the soil.
        • E.g. In India, despite the perception of potassium-rich soils, negative soil potassium balances are causing crop yield losses.
      • Limited geological reserves:  E.g. Canada, Belarus and Russia possess approximately 70% of the world’s potash reserves.
      • Current shortages of potash fertilizers are driven by increased fertilizer demand, post-COVID-19 recovery, Russia-Ukraine conflict etc.
      • Substantial environmental impacts: For each tonne of potassium extracted, around three tonnes of mine waste is generated which is washed by rains into surrounding rivers and groundwaters.
    • Tags :
    • Food Security
    • Potassium
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