Potash is used as a fertilizer for plant and crop nutrients along with nitrogen and phosphorus. Potash consists of salts that contain potassium, which makes up for around 2.6% of the earth’s surface. Potash in agricultural usage results in better water retention, yield, disease resistance and nutrient value increase of crops. Apart from being used as a fertilizer, potash is also used for industrial purposes such as aluminum recycling, water treatment, soap manufacturing, detergents, ceramics, pharmaceuticals and de-icing salts.
There are two main types of potash used commercially:
Muriate of potash (MOP) a.k.a. potassium chloride KCI
Sulfate of potash (SOP) a.k.a. potassium sulfate K2SO4
Potash in global trade is often quoted in K2O equivalent to allow for comparison between different types of potash compounds.
A number of compounds are referred to as ‘potash’:
| Common name | Chemical Name |
| Potash fertilizer | Potassium carbonate K2CO3 Potassium chloride KCI Potassium sulfate K2SO4 Potassium nitrate KNO3 (salpeter) |
| Muriate of potash (MOP) | Potassium chloride KCI:NaCI |
| Sulfate of potash (SOP) | Potassium sulfate K2SO4 |
| Caustic potash or potash lye | Potassium hydroxide KOH |
| Chlorate of potash | Potassium chlorate KCIO3 |
