Potash
The name 'potash' is given a range of salts containing potassium (typically oxides, sulphates, chlorides and carbonates) which occur naturally in the earth's surface and, being water-soluble, are subject to a natural, continuous 'recycling' processes. These compounds can be added to fertilisers.
Expressed notionally as K2O, typical compounds referred to potash include:
- Potassium carbonate.
- Potassium chloride.
- Potassium sulphate.
The name potash derives from ‘pot ashes’ – the traditional method of manufacture. This involved leaching wood ashes in a pot then evaporating out the water from the solution to leave a white residue. It was recognised for its fertilising properties but was also used in the manufacture of soap, glass and gunpowder.
Potash also occurs naturally. It is the seventh most common element in the earth’s crust, buried deep below the surface. It is therefore deep-mined and is now the source for all commercially-available sources of potash – usually supplied in granular form. These deep-lying deposits have resulted from natural cycles of leaching and evaporation.
Some clays are naturally very rich in potassium and can contain as much as 17% potash; sea water globally also contains huge amounts of potassium.
[edit] Applicaions
The main uses of granulated potash include:
- Fertiliser.
- Animal feed.
- Food products.
- Soap.
- Water softener.
- De-icer.
- Potash glass.
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Aluminium recycling.
- Fireworks and matches.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.