Potassium deficiency in soil threatens global food security. Potassium is one of the most important nutrients vital for plant growth.
Only 12 countries dominate the international potassium fertilizer market, worth about US$15 billion. Canada, Russia, Belarus and China produce 80% of the world's total raw potash. The price of potash rose in April 2022 by 500% over the previous year due to high demand for fertilizers, rising fuel prices, recovery from the pandemic, and a group of government measures.