International Potash Institute
IPI K Centre - Potassium and the Environment

The doubling of global food production during the past 35 years was accompanied by large increases in global nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization and irrigation (Tilman et al., 2002. Science V. 418).

Potassium has no known deleterious effect on the quality of natural and drinking waters and it does not induce eutrophication in rivers and lakes. Under regular agricultural practices, small amounts of potassium ions is leached into deeper soil layers and finally reaching the aquifers, which presents no ecological threat; K in drinking water and/or food is no hazard for human health provided renal function is normal. A diet high in K has no harmful effect and is recommended for people suffering from hypertension (RT 22, 2001, IPI).

In many of IPI's field experiments worldwide, it is shown that with adequate supply of potassium and better nitrogen management, nitrogen use efficiency significantly increases, and consequently the disposed N to the environment is reduced.

The following items found on our web describe the various effects of potassium on the environment, especially by demonstrating the value of Balanced Fertilization which leads to higher nutrient use efficiencies.

Publications

Papers and presentations

K in the literature