Source Of Potassium Research Articles

Use of potassium hydroxide as a source of nutrients in the composition of food supplements

Abstract In recent years, diet and nutrition have become a primary focus of public health worldwide. Food supplements (FS), used to complement common diets, are a significant and highly marketed category of food products. This has positioned healthcare professionals and public decision makers to play critical roles in their distribution and monitoring. Following a serious case of intoxication due to the ingestion of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a nutrient source in a food supplement, technical opinion has been applied to admissible levels of vitamins and minerals in such products. KOH, known for its high potential Hydrogen (pH) and caustic properties, poses safety risks if not properly diluted. EU Regulation 1169/2011 stipulates minimum significant quantities for nutrients, including potassium, which must not exceed certain levels to ensure safety. The use of KOH as the sole potassium source in the form of powders has been shown to create strong alkalinity, posing risks when dissolved in water for human consumption. Safer alternative potassium forms are available for food supplements. This underscores the need for continuous regulatory oversight and greater involvement of healthcare professionals to ensure consumer safety, given the broad variability in supplement formulations and their increasing market share.

Optimizing Cotton Yield through Macronutrient Mixtures

An incubation study, followed by a two-year field trial, was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, to comprehensively assess the nutrient release and the effect of macronutrient fertilizer mixtures on nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, cotton quality parameters, and crop yield during 2020 to 2021. The study aimed to identify the best fertilizer combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) sources to enhance cotton growth and productivity. The treatments, all involving 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), comprised the following macronutrient mixtures: T1 (Urea + DAP + MOP), T2 (Urea + SSP + MOP), T3 (Urea + DAP + SOP), T4 (Urea + MAP + SOP), T5 (CN + DAP + MOP), T6 (CN + DAP + SOP), T7 (Urea + CN + SSP + MOP), T8 (CN + ASP + MOP), and T9 (Absolute Control). The incubation study provided insights into the nutrient release pattern from the different fertilizer mixtures over time. The two-year field trial confirmed that the application of a fertilizer mixture containing CN, DAP, and MOP (T5) significantly increased nutrient uptake T5 and agronomic use efficiency in cotton. The yield increase due to this particular treatment was 66.7% and 67.9% higher than the control during 2020 and 2021, respectively. Incorporation of sulfur-containing fertilizer mixtures, such as CN with DAP and SOP (T6 ), and urea with DAP and SOP (T3), markedly increased protein and oil content in cotton seed. Different fertilizer sources had no significant effect on lint quality parameters. Application of tailored macronutrient combinations to cotton plants improved nutrient uptake and yields, highlighting the practical benefits of strategic fertilizer application.

Effect of Boron, Potassium Sources and Rates on Soil Fertility, Sugar Beet Yield and Quality Cultivated in Saline Clay Soil in Egypt

Two field experiments were conducted at a private farm in El-QantaraSharq, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 winter growing seasons. The study aimed to assess the effect of boron and potassium sources and rates on sugar beet yield quality and soil fertility. The experiments were arranged in a split-split plot design. The main plots had foliar boron (B) application (without and with 4 g B/L), while the sub-main plots had potassium sources: K-sulfate, K-silicate, and K-humate. The sub-plots had potassium rates (0, 4, 8, and 12 g/L) applied as foliar spray at three intervals: 30, 45, and 75 days after planting. Results indicated that foliar boron application led to a 17.17% decrease in soil electrical conductivity (EC) compared to without boron spraying. However, there was no significant change in pH values. The study showed a significant increase in soil available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and B with the application of 4 g/L of boron or K-humate at a rate of 12 g/L individually. Sugar beet yield, quality and root nutrients content were notably influenced by potassium sources in the following order: K-humate > K-silicate > K-sulfate. The interaction between boron spray and potassium sources and rates had a significant effect on various parameters, with the highest values for root length (cm), fresh root weight (kg/plant), root and top yield (t/ha), protein (%),sugar content (%) and sugar yield (t/ha) achieved by foliar application of boron combined with K-humate at a rate of 12 g/L.

Optimizing Cowpea Cultivation in Saline Hydromorphic Soils: A Sustainable Approach for Kaipad Agroecosystems

Kaipad lands, a distinct coastal agro-ecosystem located in northern Malabar, Kerala, are characterized by saline-prone hydromorphic soils that pose significant challenges for traditional rice cultivation. The unique conditions of periodic waterlogging and salinity necessitate the exploration of alternative crops to enhance agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the suitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L Walp) as a resilient leguminous crop for cultivation in traditionally organic rice growing problematic soils. Cowpea, known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, nutritional value, and economic importance, presents a promising option for farmers facing the limitations of organic rice production. A pot culture experiment was conducted to assess the impact of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) on cowpea growth and yield in saline hydromorphic soils. Treatments included combinations of KSB with various potassium sources, such as feldspar and mica, used as alternate sources for potassic fertilizers. Results demonstrated that KSB significantly improved growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production, and pod and grain yields, compared to control. Soil analysis revealed enhanced availability of potassium and other essential nutrients in KSB-treated soils, indicating a synergistic effect on nutrient solubilization in aerobic conditions. The findings suggest that cowpea, supported by KSB application, can be effectively cultivated in problematic Kaipad lands, offering a viable alternative to traditional rice farming while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This research highlights the potential for diversifying crop production in saline-prone areas, ultimately contributing to food security and economic resilience in coastal agro-ecosystems.

Potential Impact of Gypsum Supplementation and Foliar Spraying with Different Sources of Potassium on Yield and Quality of Carrot

Potential Impact of Gypsum Supplementation and Foliar Spraying with Different Sources of Potassium on Yield and Quality of Carrot

Foliar Spraying of Potassium Sulfate during Fruit Development Comprehensively Improves the Quality of Citrus Fruits

Sugar accumulation is influenced by various fertilizer treatments, of which potassium spraying is the most effective. However, the effect of different potassium sources as a foliar application at different fruit development stages on citrus fruits is still unclear. In this study, three different potassium fertilizers and one water (F1: 0.65% KNO3, F2: 0.88% KH2PO4, F3: 0.56% K2SO4, and F4: water) were sprayed on Citrus reticulata cv. Nanfeng at cell division, cell expansion, fruit ripening, and throughout fruit developmental stages, respectively. Results showed that the six-time K2SO4 application had the best function in enhancing fruit physiological attributes such as fruit weight and the total carotenoids; also, this treatment significantly decreased TA (titratable acid), increased fruit TSS (total soluble solids), soluble sugar content, and TSS:TA ratio. Furthermore, K2SO4 spraying obviously increased the expression of CsCWINV-2/6 in the segment membrane, and CsSUT-1/2 and CsVPP-1/2 in fruit juices. Taken together, six-time application of K2SO4 throughout fruit developmental stages produced better fruit quality, at least through enhancing sink strength and promoting sugar transportation in citrus fruits. This study might effectively contribute to maximizing fruit quality and its marketability.

Bespoke strategies of Paxillus involutus to extract potassium from diverse phyllosilicates

Phyllosilicates provide a primary source of minerals used by microorganisms and plants, particularly clay minerals, i.e., phyllosilicates of very small particle size. Fungi can actively break down (or “weather”) minerals to extract nutrients, but whether they use identical mechanisms when accessing different clay minerals is unclear. In addition, it is yet to be understood whether starvation stresses due to the limited availability of a mineral-nutrient would result in different weathering behaviours of microbes.Here, we performed a microcosm experiment to address these questions. We used the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Paxillus involutus and the phyllosilicates K-vermiculite, muscovite and phlogopite. These silicates have different degrees of recalcitrance to the removal of K cations from the mineral, and each was provided in the microscosm experiment as the sole potassium (K) source. The type of potassium "extraction-assimilation" was tested against a potassium-availability gradient, with a situation of maximum starvation stress (no potassium availability) and one of maximum availability (potassium provided as a solute in the culture medium). Our study revealed that different phyllosilicate minerals stimulated different patterns of fungal gene expression, which indicated bespoke weathering mechanisms for different phyllosilicates. The potassium uptake capacity of the fungus was highest with K-vermiculite compared to phlogopite and muscovite. Interestingly, the assimilation of phosphorus by the fungus was reduced in K-depleted conditions.Moreover, the potassium deprivation condition prompted the fungus to assimilate sodium instead. Also, in the presence of the minerals, the fungus showed significant differences in gene expression compared with the negative and positive control conditions, suggesting that the mineral environment modulates the starvation stress levels. The nutrients assimilated by the mycelium from both the minerals and the culture medium also varied according to the type of silicate added and the K starvation level to which the fungus was subjected. Based on what has been observed here, many geochemical processes could depend on fungi's genetic and functional plasticity, which would have considerable environmental consequences with a direct link between the evolution of fungi and that of the Earth's crust.

Enhancing the Photosynthetic and Yield Performance of Rice in Saline Soil by Foliar-Applying Cost-Effective Compounds as Sources of Carbon Dioxide and Potassium

Although rice is highly sensitive to salinity, it is considered one of the best crops to grow in salt-affected mudflat soils to alleviate the salinity problem. Applying chemical compounds for an increase in leaf CO2 and nutrient levels can help mitigate the negative impact of salinity on plants in a cost-effective manner. To identify the benefits of using lithovit (Liv), ethanol (Eth), and potassium carbonate (KC) as a source of CO2 and K to enhance rice production in salt-affected soils, a field study was conducted to assess the effects of these compounds on the agro-physiological parameters of two rice genotypes (Giza178 and Giza179) in saline soils. The compounds were applied as a foliar spray at a concentration of 30 mM each before and after the heading growth stage. The results indicated that the genotype, application time, compounds, and their potential two-way interactions significantly influenced all agro-physiological parameters, with only a few exceptions. The genotype Giza 179 exhibited higher pigment contents, photosynthetic capacity, relative water content (RWC), grain yield, and most yield components compared to Giza 178, with increases ranging from 2.1% to 37.9%. Foliar application of different compounds resulted in a 9.7–37.9% increase in various parameters and a 34.6–43.2% decrease in the number of unfilled grains (NUFG) per panicle compared to untreated treatment. Foliar application of different compounds before heading resulted in an increase in various parameters by 4.8–16.1% and a decrease in the NUFG per panicle by 22.9% compared to those applied after heading. Heatmap clustering analysis revealed that foliar application of Liv before heading was the most effective treatment in enhancing various parameters for both genotypes and mitigating the negative effects of salinity stress on the NUFG. This was followed by Eth and KC before heading for Giza 179. Applying Eth and KC to the leaves after heading had a moderate positive impact on most parameters for Giza 179, outperforming the application after heading for Giza 178. Overall, our findings indicate that spraying readily available compounds that elevate CO2 and K levels in rice leaves can help alleviate the negative impacts of salt stress and improve rice production in salt-affected soils in a cost-effective manner.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Feeding with some Sources of Potassium on Growth, Yield and Quality of Garlic

Effect of Soil and Foliar Feeding with some Sources of Potassium on Growth, Yield and Quality of Garlic

Investigation of the mineral profile, structural and thermal properties of blends of trapiá powder with tropical fruits

Trapiá is widely distributed throughout Brazilian territory and in Latin American countries, yet its commercial potential is overlooked due to insuficiente knowledge of its bioactive properties and a lack of studies on pulp processing. Aiming to enhance the value of Trapiá by improving its nutraceutical properties through the incorporation of minerals, vitamins, and the popularity of tropical fruits, this study investigated the mineral potential, structural properties, and thermal characteristics of mixtures of trapiá pulp with orange, lemon, and pineapple pulps, which were converted into powders through spray drying and freeze-drying. The powders were evaluated for their mineral profile; structural properties were assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystallinity was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the analysis of absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region (FTIR). Finally, the thermal profile was evaluated using thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). The trapiá powders combined with orange, lemon, and pineapple were found to be sources of magnesium and potassium, with appreciable levels of calcium. The powders containing lemon also provided copper, while those mixed with pineapple were sources of manganese. SEM images revealed spherical particles with smooth surfaces in the powders obtained from spray drying, whereas the freeze-dried powders exhibited larger particle sizes with irregular dimensions and rough surfaces. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the powders possessed high thermal stability, making them suitable for use in the food industry. The data from this study indicate that these powders are promising for use in various industrial formulations, characterized by their high mineral content and notable thermal stability.

K, Sr isotopes, and trace element to constrain potash origin in the Simao Basin, southwestern China, and insight into K isotope geochemical behavior in evaporite

With the advancement of emerging potassium isotope testing techniques, the characteristics of δ41K in evaporite have garnered increasing attention. Its application in constraining the genesis of potash deposits and tracing the process of potash mineralization holds significant prospects. A comprehensive analysis of the geochemical characteristics of K, Sr isotopes, and trace elements provides an opportunity to address the ongoing debate regarding the mineralization mechanism of potash in the Simao Basin. In this study, we collected 64 potash samples from the Simao and Khorat basins. The analytical results revealed that the major ions in the samples consist of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO42-, while the trace elements Br, Sr, Rb, B, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Ba, As, and Zn are relatively enriched. The δ41K values range from −0.12 ‰ to 0.20 ‰ with an average of 0.01 ‰. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios range from 0.707553 to 0.708565 with an average of 0.708020, which is lower than that of the river water in the drainage basin. Additionally, the Br content ranges from 316.3 × 10−6 to 1709.1 × 10−6, with an average of 633.8 × 10−6. These data indicate that the Early Cretaceous Albian-Middle Jurassic Bajocian seawater serves as an important source of potassium for potash deposition in the Simao Basin. The characteristics of the ratios of the Br/Cl (mmol/mol), K/Cl (mmol/mol), Rb/Sr (mol/mol), along with the contents of the Br and Rb, indicate that the most of potash in the Simao Basin is primary origin. Moreover, we have also provided new insight into the geochemical behaviors of K isotopes during the evolution of the evaporites. The precipitation of potash may be accompanied by K isotope fractionation, as evidenced by the lighter K isotope composition of carnallite compared to that of sylvinite. K isotope fractionation occurs between the secondary sylvite and its parent source, and newly precipitated solids are characterized by relatively light K isotope. Episodic freshwater inflow into the evaporative basin stimulates microbial activity, leading to fluctuations in K isotopes in the precipitated potash during the same evaporation stage. Therefore, this work not only provided direct evidence from the K isotopes for determining the origin of the potash in the Simao Basin but also further perceived the geochemical behaviors of K isotopes during the evolution of evaporite.

Standardization of Recipes and Storage Behaviour of Value-Added Products from Knol-Khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.)

Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.) is one of the most important cruciferous vegetable crops which belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Knol-khol is a fast growing, cool season vegetable cultivated primarily for its enlarged stem called ‘knob’ which is rich in nutritional components, especially vitamin A, C, minerals and is also a good source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron and sodium. To exploit its high nutritional as well as antioxidant properties and also to ensure its year around availability, it needs value addition. Therefore, in the current investigation, value added products viz., nectar and squash were prepared from Knol-khol. Four recipes of prepared nectar and squash were subjected to physico-chemical and sensory evaluation soon after preparation and at 90 days of storage. During the storage, a slight increase in pH, TSS and total sugars, a considerable rise in reducing sugars, but a slight decrease in acidity and also a considerable decrease in non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid was recorded in various treatments of nectar and squash. The treatments K2N2 (15% pulp, 15˚B), and K1T2 (25% pulp, 45˚B TSS) among different recipes of nectar and squash respectively were found to be the best on the basis of their physico-chemical and organoleptic evaluation. These findings suggest that specific compositional parameters significantly influence the quality and acceptability of fruit-based beverages during storage.

A Comparative Analysis of Folate and Mineral Contents in Freshly Squeezed and Commercial 100% Orange Juices Available in Europe.

Orange juices are widely known for their organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits derived from their nutritional and functional composition. The aim of this work was to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information on the content of folates and some minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn) present in different fresh and commercial orange juices available in the European market, including juices from concentrate (FC) and not from concentrate (NFC). A total of twenty-five juice samples were selected, comprising the most purchased types of commercial juices from France, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Spain, and four fresh squeezed juices (FSJ) made from Spanish oranges. In FSJ, nutrient stability during storage time (0-48 h) was also assessed. Folate concentration was highly variable between commercial samples, with higher contents in FSJ and NFC samples, followed by FC juices. Regarding mineral content, FSJ showed significant differences with FC (except for Mg) and NFC juice samples (except for Ca and Mg), while FC and NFC had similar mineral profiles, except for Ca. Storage time had no significant impact on FSJ folates and minerals. Among commercial juices, the NFC category generally showed the highest content of folates, K, Mg, and Fe, whereas FC juices showed the highest contents of Ca, Mn, and Zn. Some commercial juices met the legal use conditions for a "Source of folate" claim, whereas both commercial and fresh juices met the conditions for a "Source of potassium" claim, according to European and UK regulations.

Foliar Nourishment with Different Potassium Sources to Maximize Yield Through Improving Nutrient Uptake in Citrus Aurantifolia Trees Grown in Potassium-Deficient Soil

AbstractPurpose: Based on its crucial regulatory role in several biochemical processes, potassium (K) is considered to greatly influence fruit yield and quality. Methods: Two field experiments were carried out in two seasons (2021 and 2022) to explore the response of lemon (Baladi cv.) trees grown in K-deficient soil to four different K fertilizer sources applied individually as a foliar spray. K citrate (KC1 = 1.3 vs. KC2 = 2.6 g L− 1), K nitrate (KN1 = 1.5 vs. KN2 = 3.0 g L− 1), K tartrate (KT1 = 1.5 vs. KT2 = 3.0 g L− 1), and K thiosulfate (KS1 = 1.25 vs. KS2 = 2.5 g L− 1) were applied three times, and the treated trees were compared with untreated trees. This study was established with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using four replicates. Results: The findings revealed that the KC treatment, regardless of dosage, showed clear superiority in terms of the values for the leaf phosphorus (%), manganese, and zinc contents (mg kg− 1), as well as fruit firmness, fruit dry matter, and total soluble solids in both seasons. In second place was the KT treatment, which yielded the best values for fruit length and width in 2021, the best values for leaf nitrogen and iron contents and fruit weight and volume in 2022, and the best values regarding variable fluorescence by maximum fluorescence, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD readings), the photosynthetic performance index, total acidity, and vitamin C in both seasons. Furthermore, the highest total lemon yield and leaf potassium contents were achieved with the KN treatment in both seasons. The heat map illustrating that most of the studied characteristics were positively and significantly correlated with total lemon yield (TLY). Conclusions: The KN treatment, closely followed by the KC treatment, is regarded to be the best treatment for most of the studied trails.

Enriched Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag application for improving grain yield and quality of wheat grown under nutritionally poor degraded soil

Aim: To evaluate the impact of enriched steel slag on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil and yield attributes of wheat under poor quality degraded soil. Methodology: Steel slag was biologically and organically amended with natural sources of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) and characterized for its nutrient content along with biological activity. The impact of resultant products was assessed on soil quality and yield component traits of wheat for two consecutive years (2021-2022 and 2022-23). Results: Application of slag based products significantly (p<0.05) improved the plant height, biological yield, grain yield and ear bearing tillers (EBT) of wheat even with 80% of recommended fertilizer dose (NPK). Further, in comparison to control, a moderation of soil pH (8.6 to 8.8), EC (0.18 to 0.20 dS m-1), OC (0.22 to 0.24 %) and essential mineral macronutrients viz., N (126 to 130 kg N ha-1), P (8.0 to 13.0 kg ha-1), K (100 to 125 kg ha-1) were observed with the application of amended steel slag products. No significant change with respect to existing heavy metal concentration viz., Co, Ni, Cd and Pb in soil was observed when supplemented with amended slag products. Interpretation: Steel slag can be transformed favorably for on-farm application to improve wheat yield besides serving as an environmentally sustainable alternate of soil conditioner for the management of degraded soil. Key words: Degraded soil, Heavy metals, Steel slag, Waste management, Wheat

Evaluation of nutrient composition of selected small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to nutrient intakes

Small indigenous fish (SIF) are recognized as easily available, and abundant source of macronutrients and micronutrients in Bangladesh. The current investigation was undertaken to assess the existing heavy metal, mineral, vitamin, and others nutrient content of small indigenous freshwater fish in Bangladesh. Eight indigenous fish (Mola, Tengra, Baim, Punti, Chanda, Guchi, Koi, and Taki) were selected for this study. The AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry), and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods outlined were used to determine the proximate compositional analysis of fish. The highest fat content was found in koi fish. Protein was highest in both baim and taki fish. Iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 content were highest in mola fish. Highest calcium and phosphorus were found in the chanda and taki fish. The study concludes that small indigenous fish are valuable sources of fat, protein, ash, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, which are important for maintaining good health. Our findings suggest that small indigenous fish could serve as a viable option for addressing the nutritional needs for the children (6–23 m age), and Pregnant and lactating women in Bangladesh as a tool to fight malnutrition.

Typochemistry and possible sources of ferrosaponite with Ce–Cu–Ni from the metabasalts of the Northern Ural

We studied metabasites from metamorphic complexes located in the northern part of the Lyapin anticlinorium of the Subpolar Urals and the Kharbey anticlinorium in the Polar Urals of the Central Ural Uplift, which are part of the Arctic zone. For the first time, ferrosaponite containing copper, nickel, and rare earth metals has been identified in these metabasites. The morphological and typochemical characteristics of ferrosaponite were examined using electron microscopy. In the Polar Urals, ferrosaponite is found in the almandine eclogite of the Marunkeu eclogite-amphibolite gneiss. The mineral is associated with garnet, quartz, pyroxene, muscovite, amphibole, and sulfides. The general formula for the mineral from almandine eclogite: (Ca0,06–0,27K0,01–0,06Се0,01)∑0,13–0,31(Fe2+ 1,67–2,21Mg0,51–0,84 Cu0,01–0,09Ni0,03–0,11)∑2,25–3,08[(Si2,84–3,08Al0,92–1,16)∑4,00O10](OH)2 ×3,55–3,83H2O. In the Subpolar Urals, this mineral was examined in a sample of garnet-amphibole-biotite-plagioclase-quartz shale, where it occurs in association with other minerals: amphibole, plagioclase, quartz, epidote, biotite, zircon, albite, titanite, apatite, and sulfides. The general formula of the mineral: (Ca0,14–0,22K0,01–0,02Се0,01)∑0,15–0,23(Fe2+ 1,24–2,22Mg0,76–0,97)∑2,17–3,15 [(Si2,86–2,96Al1,04–1,14)∑4,00O10](OH)2 ×3,41–4,47H2O. It is assumed that ferrosaponite forms through a hydrothermal-metamorphic process during the late fluid stage of rock transformation. Feldspars and biotite serve as sources of potassium and aluminum, while hornblende, pyroxenes, and epidote are the primary suppliers of magnesium and iron. In the chemical composition, alongside the main components of the mineral—potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and iron—copper, nickel, and rare earth metals were also detected. Under the influence of fluids, copper and nickel may have been derived from replaced sulfides, while cerium could have been introduced from allanite, apatite, and other minerals containing rare earth elements. Continued study of the mineragenic features of metamorphic rocks in the Arctic regions of the Urals is essential for a comprehensive assessment of their resource potential, as well as promising sources and concentrators of rare metals.

Revealing Asymmetric Phase Transformation of the BiVO4 Anodes for Potassium-Ion Batteries by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), thanks to the cost-effectiveness of potassium resources and a favorable redox potential of approximately -2.936 V. The monoclinic BiVO4, known for its layered structure, shows noteworthy electrochemical properties when utilized as an anode material for both LIBs and sodium-ion batteries. However, the fundamental electrochemical reaction mechanisms of the BiVO4 anode during the potassium insertion/extraction processes remain unclear. Here, we constructed a BiVO4 anode PIB inside the transmission electron microscope (TEM) to explore the real-time potassiation/depotassiation behaviors of BiVO4 during electrochemical cycling. Utilizing the state-of-art in situ TEM technique, the BiVO4 nanorods are found to undergo an asymmetric phase transformation for the first time, where the pristine BiVO4 material is transformed into an amorphous KxBiVO4 phase after the first cycle. More interestingly, the anode materials near and far from the potassium source exhibit opposite volume-changing trends under the same voltage potential. Also, this phenomenon should be attributed to the mass flow of the unstable K-Bi alloy under the electric field. Our findings provide significant insights into the electrochemical mechanism of BiVO4 nanorods during the potassiation/depotassiation process, with the hope of assistance in designing anodes for high-performance PIBs.

Soil health impact of long‐term sugarcane vinasse recycling

AbstractThe efficient use of vinasse, the primary byproduct of sugarcane ethanol production, is important for the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry. Few studies have quantified the soil health response to long‐term vinasse application, even though this byproduct is generally applied as a potassium (K) source in sugarcane fields. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was used to assess the integrated soil health response in soils with contrasting textures. Chemical, physical, and biological indicators were selected, measured, and integrated into a soil health index for clay‐ and sandy‐textured soils in Brazil. Overall, the application of vinasse improved soil health components in both soils. The results showed that the benefits of vinasse go beyond increasing the K content. Vinasse application showed increased soil organic carbon content, nutrient recycling, and soil physical quality. The long‐term application of vinasse increased the soil health from 49% to 62% in the clayey soil and from 43% to 61% in the sandy clay soil. The findings therefore revealed the potential of vinasse application to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizer and promote the circular economy and soil health regardless of soil type. This study verifies that the long‐term application of vinasse to sandy‐ and clay‐texture soils in Brazil has both economic and environmental benefits because it recycles an important ethanol byproduct and enhances soil health.

Efficacy of potassium schoenite as indigenous source of potassic fertilizer for potato crop grown in Western India

To attain the optimal production and quality, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farming requires a large amount of potassium fertilizers. Due to a lack of K mineral reserves, several nations, including India, import potassic fertilizers, which place additional financial strain on the country’s economy. Thus, potassium schoenite produced from sea bittern may present an attractive substitute for potassium nutrition in crop production. The current study examined the relative effect of indigenously produced potassium schoenite (PS) on potato crop. The findings demonstrated that potassium schoenite considerably increased potato growth, yield characteristics, yield, and quality of tuber. With 100% RDK (220 kg/ha K2O) through potassium schoenite + 1% foliar spray of potassium schoenite @ 30 and 45 DAP, the greatest yield attributes, total tuber yield and starch output were achieved which remained at par with 75% RDK (165 kg/ha K2O) through potassium schoenite + 1% foliar spray of potassium schoenite @ 30 and 45 DAP. Furthermore, potassium schoenite saves 25% K2O in potato production as compared to potassium sulfate and muriate of potash. Thus, indigenous potassium sources have been found to be far more effective than imported potassium sulfate and muriate of potash in enhancing potato productivity.