potasa

Potasa, commonly referred to as potash in English, is a group of potassium-containing inorganic compounds derived from natural sources and used in various industrial and agricultural applications. The term historically described potassium carbonate obtained from wood ash, but in modern practice potasa encompasses several potassium salts, especially potassium chloride (KCl), potassium sulfate (K2SO4), and potassium carbonate (K2CO3). These salts supply potassium, an essential nutrient for plant growth and a key ingredient in many chemical processes.

Most potash used today is produced from underground brine deposits and mined potash ore. The principal minerals are sylvite (KCl) and carnallite (KMgCl3·6H2O). Solutions are mined or leached, processed to remove impurities, and evaporated to concentrate the desired salts. Potassium chloride is the most widely used potash fertilizer, while potassium sulfate is favored for salt-sensitive crops because it provides potassium without additional chloride. Potassium carbonate is also manufactured for industrial uses, including glass production, soaps, and as a buffering agent or leavening agent in food.

In agriculture, potasa provides a readily available source of potassium, which supports water regulation, enzyme activity, and photosynthesis in plants. It is commonly applied as a fertilizer in various forms and blends, often alongside nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Industrially, potash salts serve as raw materials for chemical manufacturing and food-grade additives (for example, potassium carbonate as a food additive).

Safety and environmental considerations include the handling of caustic potassium compounds in concentrated forms and the ecological impact of mining and brine extraction. Proper management minimizes soil and water disturbance and preserves soil potassium balance.

Etymology traces the name potasa to early production from wood ash (pot ashes), with cognates in multiple languages reflecting the same origin.