Potassium deficiency in agricultural soils threatens global food security.

A study reveals that potassium deficiency in agricultural soils worldwide poses an unknown but potentially serious threat to global food security. Around 20% of agricultural soils globally experience potassium deficiency, particularly in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. This unsustainable potassium mining has led to potassium shortages in countries such as China, India, and Southern Australia. The study suggests six targeted actions to address potassium deficiencies, protect agriculture from shocks, and minimize environmental impacts, including better potassium management and a robust intergovernmental coordination mechanism.

February 19, 2024
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