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In this study, we present an integrated approach utilizing IoT data and machine learning models to enhance precision agriculture. We collected an extensive IoT secondary dataset from an online data repository, including environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and soil nutrient levels, from various sensors deployed in agricultural fields. This dataset, consisting of over 1 million data points, provided comprehensive insights into the environmental conditions affecting crop yield. The data were preprocessed and used to develop predictive models for crop yield and recommendations. Our evaluation shows that the LightGBM, Decision Tree, and Random Forest classifiers achieved high accuracy scores of 98.90%, 98.48%, and 99.31%, respectively. The IoT data collection enabled real-time monitoring and accurate data input, significantly improving the models' performance. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining IoT and machine learning to optimize resource use and improve crop management in smart farming. Future work will focus on expanding the dataset to include more diverse environmental factors and exploring the integration of advanced deep learning techniques for even more accurate predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogeochemical research of groundwater in the Bieletan area, China's largest potash producing zone, used a variety of methods, including multivariate analysis, saturation index, and hydrogeochemical modeling. Water samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, along with soluble ions from soil cores. The results showed that total dissolved solids (TDS) of groundwater exceeded 300 g/L, with the main hydrochemical characteristics being Cl-Mg type and Cl-Na type. Groundwater is recharged by lake water and canal water, with evaporation being the main factor affecting water chemistry. Hydrogeochemical modeling analyzed the processes occurring from these two different recharge sources: mineral precipitation mainly occurred with lake water recharge, while mineral dissolution mainly occurred with canal water recharge. Regarding potash dissolution, canal water and lake water recharge resulted in 8.860 mmol/L of polyhalite dissolution and 0.278 mmol/L of carnallite dissolution, respectively. This study highlights the complex hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater in the potash-rich Bieletan area, providing insights for water resource management and potash mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium-containing feldspars provide a high potential for producing potash, a product with widespread use in agriculture. The present work assesses applying the anti-solvent crystallization method for the purification and recovery of high-purity muriate of potash (KCl) from feldspar leaching solutions. Initially, screening experiments were carried out on a synthetic leaching solution with the aim of analyzing the crystallization behavior of key components. Screening experiments were performed using five anti-solvents, namely methanol, ethanol, acetone, 2-propanol, and ethylene glycol. Acetone and 2-propanol were viable options for crystallization of potassium chloride. Then, the effects of anti-solvent ratio (O/A), time, and anti-solvent addition rate on potassium-chloride crystallization were further investigated using acetone and 2-propanol. A recovery of 83% of potassium was achieved when using acetone at the O/A of 5 with the addition rate of 10 mL/min, at room temperature with a hold time of 180 min. The optimum conditions for 2-propanol were determined to be similar, except for using a 5 mL/min addition rate for 79% recovery. The final muriate of potash products had a purity of over 99.9% using either of the anti-solvent. However, differences in morphology and crystal size of products were observed. Acetone-formed potash crystals were aggregates of cubic crystals with an average size of 3 microns, while 2-propanol-formed potash crystals were 20 microns in size as cubic particles with a hollow core. Despite having almost the same performance in potassium recovery, acetone was found to be a more feasible anti-solvent for potash recovery due to simpler downstream solvent recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dreissenid mussels (quagga and zebra mussels, Dreissena bugensis and polymorpha) continue to spread throughout inland waterbodies of North America. Although there are considerable management and mitigation efforts underway to prevent infestation of new waterbodies, there have been relatively few successful efforts to eradicate mussels once detected due to a lack of cost-effective treatments. Two potentially cost-effective molluscicidal agents, potassium chloride (KCl, also called muriate of potash) and copper (formulated as Earthtec QZ®), have successfully treated infested waters, but have varying efficacy under different water quality and temperature conditions, and to date have only been applied in moderate conductivity waters (defined here as < 400 µS/cm) common throughout North America. Natural resource managers need information on the efficacy of these chemicals in high conductivity waters more typical of riverine systems and arid climates, in addition to the range of water temperatures typically encountered in the field. We evaluated the doseresponse of quagga mussels to KCl and Earthtec QZ® in high conductivity water (≈ 700-1,400 µS/cm) across a range of temperatures (10, 18, 22 °C) to determine appropriate doses and treatment duration resulting in 100% mortality. Our data indicate that treatments in cool temperatures (i.e., 10 °C) may be challenging for eradication efforts in high conductivity waters because none of the KCl treatments and only one copper treatment resulted in 100% mortality within the experimental period. However, both KCl (> 200 ppm) and copper (120 and 180 ppb) were consistently able to induce 100% mortality in quagga mussels in warmer temperatures (i.e., = 18 °C) and thus may be good candidates for field scale application in high conductivity waters. The results of this study indicate that field-scale application should strongly consider environmental conditions during the period of application when selecting dosages and treatment duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are considerable reserves of low-grade solid potash resources in the shallow part of Mahai Salt Lake in the Qaidam Basin, and the lithium brine resources resulting from solid–liquid conversion and mining are quite abundant. The comprehensive utilization of these resources is an important and urgent problem. In this study, to fully utilize these resources, the shallow low-grade solid potash ore in Mahai Salt Lake was used for systematic simulated ore dissolution experiments, combined with geochemical and X-ray diffraction analyses. The following key results were obtained: (1) Most Li+ in the Mahai mining area was deposited on the soluble salt minerals in silt or clay, and the appropriate concentration of solvent can help to dissolve more Li+ and K+; (2) the saturation time of Li+ was longer than that of K+. Therefore, the dissolution time for the mine can be appropriately extended during the production process to dissolve more Li+; (3) the solid–liquid conversion aqueous solution mining method can separate the lithium part of clay deposits and is associated with salt rock in the brine, which is a potential lithium resource. These experimental results provide a theoretical basis for salt pan production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Coastal Alaska contains vast kelp habitat that supports diverse marine and human communities. Over the past century, the North Pacific Ocean has undergone oceanographic and ecological regime shifts that have the potential to influence the structure and function of kelp ecosystems strongly. However, the remoteness and complexity of the glacially carved region precludes the regular monitoring efforts that would be necessary to detect such changes. Methods To begin to fill this critical knowledge gap, we drew upon historical and modern surveys to analyse the change in spatial coverage and species composition of canopy kelp between two time points (1913 and the early 2000s to 2010s). We also incorporated decadal surveys on sea otter range expansion following complete extirpation and reintroduction to assess the influence of sea otter recovery on the spatial extent of canopy kelp. Key Results We found increases in the spatial extent of canopy kelp throughout the Gulf of Alaska where there was coverage from both surveys. Kelp in Southcentral Alaska showed extensive recovery after the catastrophic Novarupta volcano. Kelp in Southeast Alaska showed persistence and spatial increase that closely matched increases in the range of sea otters. Observations of thermally tolerant kelp species increased more than observations of cold-adapted species between the two surveys. Conclusions Contrary to trends observed at lower latitudes, the kelp forests that ring the Gulf of Alaska have been remarkably stable and even increased in the past century, despite oceanographic and ecosystem changes. To improve monitoring, we propose identification of sentinel kelp beds for regular monitoring to detect changes to these iconic and foundational canopy kelp species more readily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brine contains cations such as K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, Li+, B3+, Rb2+, and Cs2+, as well as anions such as SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, CO32−, NO3−, Br−, and I−, which are valuable elements. Brines are widely distributed in salt lakes in the world's three enormous plateaus and beyond and are classified into three types: sulfate-, chloride-, and carbonate-type brines. Sulfate-type brine forms in salt lakes, whereas carbonate-type brine results from magmatic and hydrothermal activity. Chloride-type brine forms in deep basins due to the reduction and transformation of buried brine. Li in brine plays a critical role in clean energy transitions, and K in brine is important for potash production. Recently, new techniques for extracting Li from brine have been developed, and the large-scale, comprehensive development pattern of brines has formed the basis for a recycling economic model, which contributes to the efficient use of brines for potash and Li2CO3 development and CO2 emission reduction. This article reviews the genesis of brines and highlights new utilization techniques, trends, and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed an improved depth of extreme point (DEXP) method, characterized as an effective and rapid imaging method that can estimate the depth and distribution of a source quickly. Its main purpose is to solve various challenges. The automatic calculation aspect of the traditional method is often limited; namely, there is a problem with achieving automatic and reliable processing when the observed surface presents undulating topography, and this problem cannot be ignored. Therefore, we propose the addition of the constant method and the hypothetical observed surface method to achieve improvements in the traditional method. Firstly, we test the improved method on the synthetic models to demonstrate its notable advantage: the achievement of a fully automatic calculation without requiring any other additional information such as structural index (SI) values and threshold values. Meanwhile, we also demonstrate its ability and reliability to handle undulating topography with acceptable accuracy for imaging results. Furthermore, we verify the robustness of the improved method by applying it to real gravity data from the potash salt deposit in the Sakhon Nakhon basin, Laos. In this case, the improved DEXP method effectively identified the location of the potash deposit. Moreover, combined with the optimal edge detection method, gravity prospecting for potash salt deposits exhibited significant advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing magnetic susceptibility and density contrast models, the primary aim of analyzing potential field data is to determine essential source parameters, including depth, structural index, horizontal expansion, and physical characteristics. In geophysical explorations, the accurate determination of subsurface depth is of utmost importance. This study employs the Depth from Extreme Points (DEXP) automatic transformation technique to interpret potential field data. DEXP relies on the precise analysis of local wavenumbers at different scales and the extreme points of the DEXP field to extract source depth, horizontal position, and structural index. This method is highly stable and less sensitive to noisy data due to the inclusion of an upward continuation filter and a potential field derivative operator. Additionally, the results are more reliable compared to alternative techniques. Moreover, the DEXP method is fully automated and does not require prior knowledge of the data collection area, making it a rapid imaging approach. As multiscale methods are less reliant on magnetic induction fields, they have become increasingly popular in magnetic field computations. To validate the proposed approach, synthetic scenarios are initially simulated. Subsequently, the DEXP technique is applied to demonstrate the depth extension of assumed models using synthetic gravity and magnetic data. This method is then implemented on data from the Ghareh-Aghaj potash exploratory area in Zanjan Province, Iran. The outcomes indicate that the potash deposit has minimal lateral expansion and is more pronouncedly extended in depth. Notably, these findings exhibit a satisfactory level of agreement with results obtained from exploratory borehole investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potash mining, typically performed for agricultural fertilizer production, can create piles of residual salt waste that are ecologically detrimental and difficult to revegetate. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) have been found growing on and around these heaps, suggesting resilience to the hypersaline environment. We set out to understand the community dynamics of biocrust formation by examining two succesionary salinity gradients at historical mining sites using a high throughput amplicon sequencing. Bare heaps were distinct, with little overlap between sites, and were characterized by high salinity, low nutrient availability, and specialized, low diversity microbial communities, dominated by Halobacteria, Chloroflexia, and Deinococci. 'Initial' stages of biocrust development were dominated by site-specific Cyanobacteria, with significant overlap between sites. Established biocrusts were the most diverse, with large proportions of Alphaproteobacteria, Anaerolineae, and Planctomycetacia. Along the salinity gradient at both sites, salinity decreased, pH decreased, and nutrients and Chlorophyll a increased. Microbiomes between sites converged during succession and community assembly process analysis revealed biocrusts at both sites were dominated by deterministic, niche-based processes; indicating a high degree of phylogenetic turnover. We posit early cyanobacterial colonization is essential for biocrust initiation, and facilitates later establishment of plant and other higher-level biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a crop that is characterized by considerable nutrient export because of its intensive growth, development, fruiting, and high biomass production. The purpose of this study is to determine how single-dose and split potassium fertilization impact the overall amount of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus exported from soils during crop harvest. A field experiment was carried out on Fluvosol (FAO, ISRIC World Soils) with K2O content of 20.3 mg/100g, P2O5 content of 5.8 mg/100g, and mineral N of 19.6 mg/kg. It was found that the biological yield and N, P2О5 and K2O nutrient export are significantly influenced by planting time and potassium fertilization treatments. Higher tomato fruit and biomass yields (61878.9 and 27184.9 kg/ha), along with higher nutrient export rates were observed in mid-early tomato plants. The highest yield and total N, K2O and P2O5 export from the soil was measured at split potassium (К80+80+80) fertilization treatment. A positive linear correlation between yield quantity and nutrient export was observed. The biological yield and nutrient export were shown to be significantly impacted by potassium fertilization (P

Potash fertilizer production is one of the most important economic activities. Historically, potash mining has had a significant impact on the environment, often with catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of studies on the environmental impact of potash mining using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. The deposit is located in the central part of the Solikamsk depression in the Pre-Ural foredeep (Perm Krai, Russia). All the main features and problems of underground mining of water-soluble ores and potassium fertilizer production are considered using the example of one of the world’s largest potash deposits. This paper looks into the specifics of the material composition of waste, its disposal, underground mining issues associated with the solubility of salts, and the risks of groundwater inflow into the mine workings, which causes flooding of mines. The results of all surveys show that potash mining affects the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, soil, and vegetation. The most effective measure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoe Deposit is hydraulic backfilling of mine chambers, which protects the underground mines from flooding, minimizes ground subsidence, and reduces the area of potash waste.

In the history of any state, the forest domain played a great role. Russia, being a country with the richest forest resources, pays great attention to the state regulation of forest management and forest conservation. The history of the use of forest resources is part of the history of Russia. The relevance of the topic is due to the change in the concept of teaching the history of Russia for students studying in specialized historical and non-core specialties and areas of training in universities. The number of hours devoted to the study of national history is increasing; the history of Russia will be singled out from the course of world history as an independent academic discipline. Students will have the opportunity to study in more detail various aspects of the history of the Russian state. The article analyzes the measures of state regulation of the use of forest resources for the production of potash, resin and tar in Russia in the 17th century. — the first quarter of the XVIII century. and also questions of regulation of trade in the specified goods. The analysis of normative legal acts that determined the conditions and features of production and trade in products obtained from wood processing was carried out. It is concluded that the state’s focus only on administrative and legal measures to regulate the use of forests in Russia, without taking into account economic realities, demonstrates low efficiency and leads to crisis phenomena in the area under study.

In depth of the Simao Basin (2390 to 2650 m depth interval), many gray mudstone or carbonate rocks are developed in the red salt-related strata, and pyrite crystals are found in the fissure and matrix. In this study, petrology, mineralogy, element geochemistry, and LA-MC-ICP-MS in situ sulfur isotope analysis were used to constrain the genesis of pyrite, and the influence of relevant geological activities on potash mineralization was discussed. The results show that: (1) In the upper part of the salt layer, particle size of the pyrite ranges from 50 to 300 μm. The crystal morphology is mainly pentagonal-dodecahedral and irregularly granular, with a small amount of cuboidal pyrite. In the interlayer between rock salt, particle size of the pyrite is from 50 to 100 μm, and the crystals are mainly octahedral. (2) The S/Fe value of pentagonal-dodecahedral pyrite is significantly greater than 2; the S/Fe value of octahedral and cubic pyrite is less than 2; and the S/Fe value of irregular granular pyrite is close to 2. (3) The δ34SV-CDT values of pyrite in the upper salt-related strata range from −15.65‰ to 11.81‰, and the average δ34SV-CDT values of all samples range from 0.79‰ to 8.20‰. The δ34SV-CDT values of pyrite interlayer between rock salt range from −15.02‰ to −6.36‰, with an average value of −10.66‰. The above results indicate that the pyrite in the upper part of the rock salt layer was formed in a medium-low temperature hydrothermal environment, and the ore-forming sulfur elements have hydrothermal sources, bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) sources, and thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) contributions. The pyrite between the rock salt layers is of sedimentary origin, and the ore-forming sulfur element comes from BSR. At present, there is no evidence of the influence of hydrothermal activities on deep potash-rich salt bodies, and the influence on the Mengyejing potash deposit has continued since the metallogenic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potash fertilizer production is one of the most important economic activities. Historically, potash mining has had a significant impact on the environment, often with catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of studies on the environmental impact of potash mining using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. The deposit is located in the central part of the Solikamsk depression in the Pre-Ural foredeep (Perm Krai, Russia). All the main features and problems of underground mining of water-soluble ores and potassium fertilizer production are considered using the example of one of the world's largest potash deposits. This paper looks into the specifics of the material composition of waste, its disposal, underground mining issues associated with the solubility of salts, and the risks of groundwater inflow into the mine workings, which causes flooding of mines. The results of all surveys show that potash mining affects the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, soil, and vegetation. The most effective measure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoe Deposit is hydraulic backfilling of mine chambers, which protects the underground mines from flooding, minimizes ground subsidence, and reduces the area of potash waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato production is significant as the demand is increasing in time to meet food security and human nutrition as well. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of water and fertilizer application in greenhouse tomato growth index, yield and quality using an intelligent drip system to achieve improved yield by minimizing the fertigation. A randomized block design was used in ten treatments including control (CK-W4N4,K4) consisting four level (W1-65%, W2-75%, W3-85%, W4-100%) each of water field capacity and four-level Urea-Potash (N1,K1-245,490, N2,K2-350,700, N3,K3-455,910, N4,K4-80,100 kg ha-1) combinations. Data obtained were analyzed by a general linear model and developed a regression model for yield. The results showed, the highest tomato yield was 103.16 t ha-1 in T8-W3N2K1 significantly influenced by the treatment, which is found 2% greater compared to the CK (100.92 t ha-1). The highest leaf area index (5.21) was obtained with T7-W3N1K3 produced improved yield. The highest fruit weight (288.77 g fruit-1) and fruit diameter (85.33 mm) obtained with T2-W1N2K2 had no significant influence on tomato yield. The model delivered a paramount prediction (r2 = 0.82) of tomato yield. In conclusion, results showed the intelligent drip system could be used to minimize inputs to improve tomato production.

[Display omitted] • K, Sr isotopes, and trace element constrain potash origin in the Simao Basin. • K isotope fractionation can occur between secondary and primary sylvite. • The secondary sylvite relatively enriches light K isotope. • As K content increases, Rb/Sr positively correlates to K/Cl, in primary sylvinite. With the advancement of emerging potassium isotope testing techniques, the characteristics of δ 41K 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 SO 4 2-, while the trace elements Br, Sr, Rb, B, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Ba, As, and Zn are relatively enriched. The δ 41K 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a crop that is characterized by considerable nutrient export because of its intensive growth, development, fruiting, and high biomass production. The purpose of this study is to determine how single-dose and split potassium fertilization impact the overall amount of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus exported from soils during crop harvest. A field experiment was carried out on Fluvosol (FAO, ISRIC World Soils) with K2O content of 20.3 mg/100g, P2O5 content of 5.8 mg/100g, and mineral N of 19.6 mg/kg. It was found that the biological yield and N, P215 and K2O nutrient export are significantly influenced by planting time and potassium fertilization treatments. Higher tomato fruit and biomass yields (61878.9 and 27184.9 kg/ha), along with higher nutrient export rates were observed in mid-early tomato plants. The highest yield and total N, K2O and P2O5 export from the soil was measured at split potassium (180+80+80) fertilization treatment. A positive linear correlation between yield quantity and nutrient export was observed. The biological yield and nutrient export were shown to be significantly impacted by potassium fertilization (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity of petroleum and concern over environmental problems has promoted the production of biodiesel from renewable sources. Biodiesel synthesized by transesterification methods in the presence of catalyst requires a large amount of solvent, mainly from alcohol, to affirm a high production yield. The transesterification process using a homogeneous catalyst demands complex product separation steps and is not recyclable; thus, it is economically unviable. In this study, transesterification reaction was conducted in a packed bed column using a heterogeneous catalyst, potash supported on PVA derived from the orange peel. Potash/PVA was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Potash-derived orange peel was supported on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to retain its mechanical stability. Optimization study revealed that a maximum biodiesel yield of 95.55% was obtained at an optimum temperature of 60 °C, 2.50 wt.% of catalyst and 12:1 of methanol: oil molar ratio. Potash derived from waste shows a promising alternative to produce a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Land productivity and quality were negatively impacted by both unbalanced fertilization and water-stressed conditions, which has arisen as an important topic of research. In the semi-arid tropics, sugarcane is the main source of sugar and ethanol; however, no potash (K) dose is recommended for the deficient sites in the region, which are further responsible for lower recovery. As a result, in order to standardize the K dose for deficient sites, present experiments carried out during plant (2019–2020) and ratoon (2020–2021) seasons. The statistical design was a split-plot design with main plot treatments comprised of I1 (irrigated) and I2 (stressed) treatments followed by K1, K2, K3, and K4 plots fertilized with 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg K2O ha−1 in subplots. Germination was reported to be 13.7, 25.0 and 32.3% higher during plant and 6.2, 17.3 and 24.4% higher during ratoon season in K2, K3, and K4 plots, respectively. Tiller's cane−1 was recorded to be significantly affected by potash levels at 241 days after planting (DAP) and 261 and 326 days after harvesting (DAH). Periodic chlorophyll content of the sugarcane leaves was reported not to be affected by irrigation treatments except at 355 DAP and 324 and 357 DAH, where respected values were reported to be 2.06% in the plant season and 1.55 and 2.54% higher in the ratoon season in I1 plots, respectively. During plant season purity and extraction after the 10th month, respective values were reported to be 1.5% lower and 4.03% higher under I1 plots, while only Brix (%) was reported as significant and 2.42% higher in I1 plots during plant season after the 12th month. The incidence of early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus) and stalk borer (Chilo auricilius) was reported to be significantly higher under stressed conditions (30.4 and 21.5% lower in I1 plots) during the plant season, while early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus), stalk borer (Chilo auricilius) and top (Scirpophaga excerptalis) incidences were significantly lower in I1 plots to the tune of 19.6, 22 and 9.73% as compared to the I2 plots during the ratoon season. The application of 80 kg K2O ha−1 resulted in significantly higher cane yield and decreased insect-pest occurrence. Even though 120 kg K2O ha−1 promoted different plant and ratoon sugarcane characteristics, they were all statistically equivalent. In I1 plots, benefits increased from K2 to K3 plots by 26.7% during plant and 155% during ratoon seasons but decreased from K3 to K4 plots by 21.0% during plant and 26.1% ratoon seasons. In I2 plots, however, benefits from K2 to K3 plots were reported to be 72.7% during plant and 76.5% during ratoon seasons, which was reduced to 10.5% during plant and 16.7% during ratoon seasons in K4 plots. Results of a two-year study on plant and ratoon canes revealed that 80 kg K2O ha−1 at deficient sites significantly improved the performance of both plant and ratoon canes yields, sugar yields, reduced the insect-pests' incidence, and finally the benefits of the cane farmers under both irrigation regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the new mining technology on the Third potash bed at the Starobinsk potash salt deposit is accompanied by the displacement of the undermined rocks. The displacement is accompanied by the foliation. The gas accumulates in the resulting foliation. The gas accumulations in the roof or the floor rocks can be the cause of a rockburst. A rockburst poses a threat to the miners' lives, breaks driving and wide equipment and stops the working activity of the mines. Therefore, the study of the underworking effect on the gas content and the gas-dynamic characteristics are relevant problems in mining science. Thus, the purpose of this work is the study of the underworking effect on the gas content and the gas-dynamic characteristics. The τ criterion was used for testing the data samples. At the second stage of the comparative statistical analysis, two hypotheses H0 and H1 were accepted which were later subjected to verification using Student's t-test. The gas parameters are changed by the camera floor and are not changed by other places. Therefore, the effect of the rock underworking leads to the formation of the additional foliation of the floor and, accordingly, to the free gases' redistribution along the stratigraphic section and, ultimately, to the significant changes of the free gas content, the starting gas release and the gas pressure. The validity of the effect of the undermining can be the intensive gas releases repeatedly recorded in the process of drilling research holes into the soil with the ejection of a piece of the rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral composition and content analysis of selected trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Be, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, I, La, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V, and Zn; 308 rock samples) were studied in the Upper Permian (Zechstein) potash-bearing deposits in Poland. They represented K–Mg chlorides of PZ2 and PZ3 cyclothems from four salt domes and stratiform K–Mg sulphates of PZ1 cyclothem. The dominant mineral components of K–Mg sulphates (polyhalite) are anhydrite and polyhalite. The most common minerals of the K–Mg salts of PZ2 cyclothem are halite, sylvite, kieserite, and anhydrite, and the most common of PZ3 cyclothem are halite, carnallite, kieserite, and anhydrite. Most analysed trace elements in the Zechstein potash-bearing deposits show a low content (up to 26 mg/kg) that eliminates them as potential profitable source rocks of such required elements as Ce, Cs, La, Li, or Rb. Common elements, such as Br, Fe, and Sr, are more easily exploited from natural brines, sulphate, and ore deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1 km thick evaporitic Permian Zechstein group in the Netherlands is subdivided into 5 halite rich evaporitic sequences including K–Mg salts (polyhalite, kieserite, sylvite, carnallite and bischofite) for which the position in the Zechstein stratigraphy is still poorly constrained. Understanding the repartition of K–Mg salts is especially important for the development of salt caverns which require a salt as pure as possible in halite. By compiling well log and seismic data in the offshore and onshore domains of the Netherlands, regional cross-sections and isopach maps were performed in order to update the lithostratigraphy of the Zechstein group by including the K–Mg salts. Results enable (i) to propose paleogeographic maps representing the spatial repartition and the thickness variations of one to two K–Mg rich intervals in each evaporite cycle, (ii) to constrain the depositional setting of the different type of salts and the hydrological conditions which influenced the Zechstein stratigraphic architecture and (iii) to develop over the Netherlands risking maps assessing the risk of encountering K–Mg salts in salt pillows or salt diapirs eligible in term of depth and thickness for the development of salt caverns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate deposits are rare worldwide, especially potassium nitrate deposits; furthermore, their genesis remains disputed. There is a rare salt-lake type potassium nitrate deposit in the Dawadi area of Lop Nor at the eastern margin of the Tarim Basin, and the ore bodies show coexisting solid and liquid phases. Additionally, there are large sulphate-type potash deposits in the adjoining Luobei Depression, south of the Dawadi area. To determine why there are two different types of potash deposits in adjacent depressions with similar climates, field geological surveys were conducted and samples collected. It was found that the Tertiary clastic layer at the periphery of the Dawadi deposit was rich in high-salinity brine, with nitrate contents of up to 495–16,719 mg/L, much higher than those in the Luobei Depression, 1–35 mg/L. Additionally, a type of deep hydrothermal (Ca–Cl) brine was found in the fault zones, with nitrate contents of up to 8044 mg/L, dozens of times greater than that of ordinary groundwater. Using comprehensive analysis and research, we concluded that the Dawadi and Luobei depressions belong to different hydrological systems with no connection between them; thus, the two deposits belong to different metallogenic systems. Furthermore, groundwater played an important role in the mineralization of the potassium nitrate deposit, and a deep source may have been an important source of the ore-forming materials. The fault system widely developed in Lop Nor provides favorable channels for deep hydrothermal recharge, and the groundwater and deep hydrothermal brine could provide the source for the nitrate mineralization in the Dawadi Depression through water–rock reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is a tendency to consider large-scale technogenic waste not as waste, but as man-made mineral deposits. For example, phosphogypsum is today considered a source of building materials, fertilizers, rare earth elements, etc. A similar problem is typical in the agricultural sector, whose waste is recycled inefficiently, especially in developing countries. Research in both directions is now on the rise, and the most relevant are those that involve the simultaneous disposal of two or more types of waste. This article critically compares the methods of wet conversion of phosphogypsum by ammonium, sodium, and potassium carbonates. Since the sunflower ash is a cheap source of potash (K2CO3 constituting up to 40% of biomass weight), simultaneous utilization of both agricultural and industrial waste could be achieved. It was found that the leaching of sunflower ash with tap water with preliminary aeration at temperatures below 30 °C provides a K2CO3 yield of about 200 kg/t. The resulting aqueous solution of potash can be processed into commercial salt or used directly for the conversion of phosphogypsum. As a result of such processing, a solution of potassium sulfate – a costly mineral fertilizer, as well as construction chalk, can be obtained. The most valuable elements of phosphogypsum are concentrated in that chalk – strontium and rare earth elements; their isolation into individual compounds can be carried out using appropriate techniques. The method of phosphogypsum conversion by potash solution obtained from water leaching of sunflower ash provides the maximum economic effect – 2300 USD per 1 t of phosphogypsum.

Potash seams are a valuable resource containing several economically interesting, but also highly soluble minerals. In the presence of water, uncontrolled leaching can occur, endangering subsurface mining operations. In the present study, the influence of insoluble inclusions and intersecting layers on leaching zone evolution was examined by means of a reactive transport model. For that purpose, a scenario analysis was carried out, considering different rock distributions within a carnallite-bearing potash seam. The results show that reaction-dominated systems are not affected by heterogeneities at all, whereas transport-dominated systems exhibit a faster advance in homogeneous rock compositions. In return, the ratio of permeated rock in vertical direction is higher in heterogeneous systems. Literature data indicate that most natural potash systems are transport-dominated. Accordingly, insoluble inclusions and intersecting layers can usually be seen as beneficial with regard to reducing hazard potential as long as the mechanical stability of leaching zones is maintained. Thereby, the distribution of insoluble areas is of minor impact unless an inclined, intersecting layer occurs that accelerates leaching zone growth in one direction. Moreover, it is found that the saturation dependency of dissolution rates increases the growth rate in the long term, and therefore must be considered in risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mustard is an important oil seed crop and plays vital role in boosting the country economy especially in Pakistan. Unfortunately, under the sudden fluctuation in the climatic conditions, water stress is one of the most drastic factors restricting its production. To mitigate the water scarcity impact, soil applied potash has emerged as a sustainable approach in improving the crop oil production. For this purpose, two years filed trials were conducted at the Agronomic field research-area, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan during two consecutive growing seasons 2017-18 and 2018-19. The Randomized Complete Block Design was used with two factorial arrangements having three replications. Different factors were Fa; irrigation water stress i.e. (no stress (control)), stress at vegetative stage (Sveg), stress at vegetative & reproductive stages (Sveg+rep)) and Fb; potash application i.e. (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1) at the time of sowing. Mustard hybrid (45S42) was used as a test specie. Observations shown that water stress at Sveg resulted in grain yield reduction (47%) as compared to control. In the case of potash fertilizer treatments particularly at 60 kg ha-1 was significantly alleviated the detrimental effect (15% in yield-related components) of water stress both in Sveg and Sveg+rep conditions as per control. Nevertheless, potash application at 60 kg ha-1 depicted increase of oil-contents (35%) as per with other treatments under the applied irrigation water stress at Sveg and Sveg+rep conditions during the both years of trials. Based on the results of economic analysis, potash application at 60 kg ha-1 is an easy, efficient, commercially feasible and cost-effective agronomic approach for compensating the adverse effects of water stress in mustard crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study tested the hypothesis of whether the low-temperature catalytic cracking of waste plastics would generate carbon fules using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer by potash as a novel catalyst for both energy recovery and carbon recycling. We applied a one-stage pyrolysis reactor system with a 75 min reaction time to observe the highest yield at a low temperature range of 70–170 °C. The effects of the potash and zeolite catalysts, temperature, and catalyst–polymer ratio on the pyrolysis liquid yield and hydrocarbon contents were determined. The mineral concentration of potash was analyzed semiquantitatively using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The ICP-OES demonstrated that nine metals, in the order of K > Na > Fe > Si > Mg > Al > Cu > Ca > Ni, were predominant in the potash. GC–MS analysis of the liquid products showed that major catalytic cracking molecules are C11 to C20 as kerosene- to diesel-range liquid. Potash catalyst produced an average liquid conversion of 34.7% at a catalyst ratio of 30 wt% over a distillate temperature range of 76–140 °C, whereas zeolite generated 19.5% at the same catalyst ratio over 90–120 °C. Although the two catalysts favored mainly olefinic products, a higher potash ratio promoted a smaller carbon products with a purer composition. Our experiments demonstrated that the new natural potash catalyst could convert waste plastics into kerosene to diesel range of valuable and recyclable liquid products as potential renewable fuel sources for carbon recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to study about sylvinite flotation. Both chemical and operating variables are main factors in this cationic flotation study. The chemical factors consist of mineralogy, solubility, amine dosages and types of frothers: pine oil and MIBC added. The operating factors, controlling flotation kinetics, compose of particle size, agitation intensity and conditioning time. Mineral characterization was carried out using XRD technique. From the XRD trace, both sylvite (KCl) and halite (NaCl) are major minerals. Therefore, a sampled potash ore from Thakhek, Lao, P.D.R. can be characterized as sylvinite. And ore solubility is 84.2 g/100 g water at 34oC. Chemical analysis of this ore was conducted using AAS technique. It is coincide with the mineralogical analysis that KCl and NaCl are the major components with some minor KCl·MgCl2·H2O. Both grade and recovery of the rougher concentrates were used to measure the flotation efficacy. Chemically, an optimum flotation of sylvinite in the saturated brine with amine and MIBC was found at the dosages of 150 and 50 g/ton ore respectively, yielding 41.5% K2O with 95.9% recovery. Operationally, an optimum flotation of 30-mesh sylvinite with the indicated amine and MIBC dosages at the agitation intensity of 1000 r.p.m and 9-minute conditioning time yields 39.1% K2O with 94.2% recovery. Furthermore, the flotation kinetics follows the first-order rate law with rate constant of 1.41 sec-1 . Suggested that direct cleaner and/or re-cleaner flotation with reagent combinations of both collector and frother, or reverse flotation of the retaining halite using alkyl morpholine as a collector could enhance the final concentrate grade up to 60% K2O complying with the fertilizer industry.

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Evapotranspiration is the sum of evaporation of water from soils and transpiration from plants. It is a crucial part of the water cycle and can be measured using lysimeters. However, lysimeters require high maintenance and operation costs; as such, evapotranspiration models are used for making predictions. Thus, the aim of the present study was to calibrate the Hydrus-1D to predict the water balance components of a thin evapotranspiration covering layer for potash tailings piles. Further simulations were performed using different fine fraction proportions, soil textures and crop parameters. A high association between the calibrated and observed drainage of substrates was found, with a variation of 2.9% (approximately 13.6 mm). Drainage estimates were lower with increasing root depth, crop height and proportion of fine particles (< 2 mm diameter) in the substrates. Fine fractions in the substrates increased the water storage and the evapotranspiration capacity of the substrates and therefore contribute to improving the efficiency of evapotranspiration covers and can facilitate reducing brine drainage from potash tailings piles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The output and grade of liquid potash minerals in Qarhan Salt Lake are decreasing year by year, which has become the main problem restricting the sustainable production of potassium fertilizer. The exploitation and utilization of low-grade solid potash ore, which is in the strata of the Qarhan Salt Lake, represents the fundamental framework for the sustainable development of Qarhan Salt Lake's potash fertilizer. PHREEQC is a simulation software for hydrogeochemistry. In this paper, PHREEQC was applied to simulate temperature, pH value and solvent chemical characteristics which affect the dissolution process of low-grade solid potash minerals. The simulation results indicate that the optimum temperature for ore dissolution is around 25 °C, because, around this temperature, the dissolving ability of solvents to low-grade solid potash minerals is enhanced, while the dissolving ability to halite remains basically unchanged, which is conducive to selective dissolution of low-grade solid potash. It is recommended the temperature is between 20 and 30 ℃. The simulation results show that, when the pH value of solvents is more than 9, although it is advantageous to selective dissolution of low-grade solid potash minerals, the solvent becomes strong alkali solution, which will cause environmental pollution and seriously corrode materials and equipment in actual production, so it is recommended the pH value of the solvent is adjusted between 6 and 8. The simulation results show that, when the values of K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl− and SO42− in the solvent are 0.1%, 2.9%, 3.77%, 0.05%, 15.72% and 0.13% respectively, the solubility of low-grade solid potash ores is stronger, which is more conducive to selective ore dissolution. It is suggested that in actual production, the chemical composition of solvents prepared with old brine and fresh water should be as close as possible to the above chemical composition characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock salt is of importance for both humans and industries. In this study, we discussed the main salt deposits in Pakistan by evaluating the total reserves as well as the rock salt annual production and by characterizing their chemical composition (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, B+, K+, Li+, Cl-, SO4 2-, Br- and NO3 -). Our objectives were to document their impurity, water-insoluble matter and moisture contents to ultimately discuss whether the halite in Pakistan, in its natural form, is safe for human consumption. Pakistan rock salt deposits are located in two distinct regions: the Salt Range area in the Potwar sub-basin with huge Precambrian salt deposits and the Eocene Bahadurkhel/Kohat salts in the Kohat sub-basin. Total reserves are estimated over tens of billion tons with an annual production of about 3,534,075 metric tons in 2017-18. Results show that the halite of the salt range area is purer than the Bahadurkhel/Kohat salts with purity levels (expressed as NaCl) of 99 and 95 wt. %, respectively. Gypsum represents one of the main impurities in halite for both regions, while potash salts (>9 wt. %) are observed in the Salt Range area, K contents are very low in the Kohat salts. Although the halite moisture content is similar for both regions, impurities contents are higher (>5%) for the Kohat salts, arising the need for their purification prior to eventual human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bromine contents of a 17-cm halite core from drilling hole of K203 in the Khorat Basin were analysed at 1 cm intervals (17 samples in total). The Br contents range from 99 to 184 ppm with a rapid variation. The K/Mg ratios of halite samples are tens of times higher than those of primary halite fluid inclusions. There is no positive correlation between Mg and Br contents, suggesting that fluid inclusions impose very little or negligible influence on Br contents of halites. The Br contents are not controlled by potash minerals either because the SEM examination shows no potash minerals and there is no relationship between K and Br contents. The Br contents of halite are thus primarily controlled by the Br concentrations of parent brines. The rapid variation of Br contents of halite within this section suggests a shallow saline pan wherein the giant Khorat evaporites were formed. This is contradictory to previous Br profiles of the Lower Salt Member which showed relatively stable and continuously increasing trends. The shallow saline pan model evidenced by high-resolution Br profile is consistent with sedimentary facies and salt mineral textures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kuqa Basin is an important potentially potash-bearing basin in China, and thick salt-bearing strata were deposited under the influence of multistage Tethyan transgression-regression cycles during the Eocene. At present, research on the process of potash formation in the Kuqa Basin has mostly focused on traditional salt mineralogy, whole-rock geochemistry, and evaporite sedimentary evolution characteristics. However, research on the original ore-forming parent fluid directly related to potash formation has not yet been carried out, directly hindering further evaluation of potash mineralization. Therefore, this paper takes the internal factors controlling potash formation as the starting point and analyzes the physical and chemical properties, such as the homogenization temperatures ( T h ) and chemical compositions, of primary halite fluid inclusions. A total of 220 T h data from fluid inclusions were obtained, and the temperatures ranged from 9.4 to 54.1°C, indicating a high-temperature brine environment conducive to the rapid deposition of the potash deposit. In total, 22 halite fluid inclusions were analyzed for chemical components. The highest KCl content reached 0.59%, which was higher than the lowest industrial grade of potassium-rich brine (0.5%), indicating that the brine experienced a high degree of evaporation and concentration during the salt-forming period and reached the potash precipitation stage. This paper provides quantitative data on the evolution of the sedimentary environment in the Kuqa Basin and supports future potash exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of modern machines and improvement of existing designs of rock cutting bodies of combines is constrained by the lack of experimental studies of the process of separation of successive elementary cleavages during the potash ore cutting with cutters of winning machines. The potential of the cross cutting pattern of potash ore is shown, since the formation of zones of localization of weakening and induced fractures on the surface of layer-by-layer cutting face determines the separation of the elementary cleavages with stable geometric parameters. The verification of the conclusions obtained theoretically was carried out during laboratory tastings on a specially designed bench. The research procedure provided for comparative tests of the potash block ore cutting, staggered and cross cuttings. It has been proven that the use of the cross pattern for set cutting parameters makes it possible to reduce the specific energy costs of the cutting of potash mass, to reduce the average load on the cutter, to reduce the root-mean-square deviation, and to reduce the number of fractions that are hard to enrich in the crushing products, compared to the traditional staggered cutting pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slurry erosion-corrosion damage to materials used in mineral processing industries occurs due to the combined effects of electrochemical and mechanical processes. In this study, AISI 2205 duplex stainless steel elbows were tested in a flow loop using slurries consisting 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt.% sand particles and saturated potash brine. Erosion-corrosion tests were conducted at flow velocities of 2.5 and 4.0 m/s. The results of the gravimetric analysis revealed that erosion-corrosion rates increased with increasing particle concentration at both velocities. The elbows exhibited negative synergy for all operating conditions, which is attributed to the presence of passive oxide film on the surface. Microstructural examination of the eroded surfaces showed that materials removal occurred by cutting and plastic deformation. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis suggests that plastic deformation, which occurred approximately 4 µm below the eroded surface, led to the transformation of metastable austenite phase to martensite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of Potash Alum (Phitkary) solution on Candida Albicans growth on heat cured acrylic resin. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral Pathology, Peshawar Dental College, Peshawar, from Nov 2019 to Jan 2020. Methodology: Acrylic resin discs (n=120) of standard size were prepared following the manufacturer’s instructions. The acrylic discs were contaminated with a suspension of 106cfus/ml of C. albicans in Sabouraud dextrose broth for 24 hours. After contamination, 30 acrylic discs were randomly selected, washed, sonicated, and plated for colony counts. The remaining 90 acrylic discs were randomly divided into 3 groups, 30 acrylic discs in each group. Group A discs were kept in 5.25% Sodium Hypochlrite solution, group B discs were kept in sterile Phosphate Buffered Saline and group C discs were kept in Potash-alum solution (10mg/ml). After 2 hours, all discs were washed, sonicated, and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar in serial dilutions for colony counts. Data was analysed using SPSS version-19. Results: Both Potash Alum (10 mg/ml) and Sodium Hypochlorite were effective in completely removing the attached Candida cells from the acrylic resin. In contrast, the negative control was only able to reduce viable counts by 23.6%. Sodium Hypochlorite and Potash Alum both showed statistically significant activity (p<0.01) against C. albicans compared to the negative control. Conclusion: Potash Alum has a significant in vitro antifungal activity against C. albicans on acrylic resin. Its antifungal effect is comparable to the effects of Sodium Hypochlorite and therefore, it may offer a cost-effective and safe alternative to commercial denture cleaning agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a diaspore sample is evaluated as a dual source of alumina and potash. The thermal treatment of diaspore with sodium hydroxide yielded alumina and potash values. Microwave heating resulted in enhanced diffusion with improved precipitate purity and recovery with a significant reduction in reaction time. The thermal treatment precipitate comprises alumina purity of 48% with a recovery of 49%. The mechanical milling route yields optimal conditions of 8 h milling followed by acid leaching in 2 M HCl at 50°C for 1 h with ~ 70% and 45% potash and alumina extraction, respectively. The dissociation of the muscovite structure is crucial for high extraction values, and milling time was found to be the significant factor. The milling route at optimal conditions yielded an alumina precipitate with ~ 89% purity with a surface area of 104.6 m2/g and a sylvinite-rich solution, which can be used in fertilizer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhalite has been discovered for years in the Triassic of the Sichuan Basin. However, it is difficult to exploit and utilize such polyhalite because of its deep burial depth and its coexistence with anhydrite or dolomite. Therefore, it has always been regarded as "dead ore". Based on slice identification, X-powder diffraction, chemical analysis, REEs analysis and strontium isotope test on halite samples from the fourth and fifth member of Jialingjiang Formation to Leikoupo Formation of Wells ZK601 and ZK001 in Xuanhan area, Northeast Sichuan Basin, this paper discovers thick layers of granular polyhalite associated with halite and the polyhalite content accounts for 10–30%. These deep polyhalites can be obtained by water-soluble mining and utilized, so they are called "new type polyhalite potash deposits". The deposit is deep buried at 3,000 m underground, and the thickness of a single layer can be more than 30 m. It is stable in regional distribution. The discovery of the "new type polyhalite potash deposits" has "activated" polyhalite, which has been considered as deep "dead ore" and has great significance for potash prospecting in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process parameter optimization of maize-stover ash potash (MSAP) as a quenching medium for heat treatment of AISI-1020 steel was conducted in this study to improve the mechanical properties of steel after carburization and quenching. The optimization process utilized Taguchi L9(32) orthogonal array method to determine the individual Signal to Noise (S/N) ratio and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A multi-response weighted analysis technique was applied to derive combined quality responses of the heat treated test pieces. The result shows that the optimal factor level of MSAP solution strength was achieved at AM1BM1, which offered 57.6 HRC hardness, 39 J toughness and 1971 N/mm2 tensile strength as improved mechanical properties for the heat treated steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: water; Saskatchewan; oil; potash; resource development; eau; pétrole; potasse; développement des ressources hydriques EN water Saskatchewan oil potash resource development FR eau pétrole potasse développement des ressources hydriques 266 279 14 06/04/20 20200601 NES 200601 Key Messages Rapid and largely unmonitored expansion of non-renewable resource production in Saskatchewan is undermining water security. Oil and potash development in southern Saskatchewan Saskatchewan produces 11% of crude oil nationally, the second most after Alberta. Understanding government inaction in Saskatchewan We contextualize government inaction and slow action around long-term water planning through a number of explanations revealed in our interviews and secondary literature: low-issue salience; revenue reliance on the mineral sector; a "small-state" approach to governing by the ruling Saskatchewan Party; and ultimately a mainstream provincial political culture of "dominion" over natural resources and limited concern for environmental protection. It is worth noting that although Saskatchewan's provincial revenue remains highly dependent on oil and potash (20%-25% of revenue) after the mid-2000s to 2014 resource boom, commodity prices for both goods have fallen sharply, in 2009 for potash and 2014 for oil (Alexander et al. [1]). [Extracted from the article]

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L) is a key crop in floriculture industry used for cut flowers in interior decoration. Fertilizers have prominent role in quality flower production. To investigate the performance of gladiolus at different application rate of nitrogen and potash, a study was conducted at National Agriculture Research Council (NARC) Islamabad, in May to August 2018. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 10 treatment combinations of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, 400 kg ha-1), Potash (0, 100, 200, 400 kg ha-1) and other combinations (200N + 100K kg ha-1, 100N + 200K kg ha-1 and 400N + 400K kg ha-1) with four replications. There were 10 plants in each replication. The highest number of florets per spike (11.42) were obtained at treatment combination of nitrogen and potash (100N +200K kg/ha) where other parameters of plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and spike length were at par with their respective maximum results. However, the lengthiest spike (88.10cm) was produced at 100kg/ha nitrogen. Similarly, the application of nitrogen at the rate of 200 kg/ha produced tallest (110.95cm) plants with maximum (9.37) number of leaves and lengthiest (55.75cm) leaves. It can be concluded that application of nitrogen and potash at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1 should be applied for better yield and quality of flowers of gladiolus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During evaporation of natural and synthetic K–Mg–Cl brines, the formation of almost square plate‐like crystals of potassium carnallite (potassium chloride magnesium dichloride hexahydrate) was observed. A single‐crystal structure analysis revealed a monoclinic cell [a = 9.251 (2), b = 9.516 (2), c = 13.217 (4) Å, β = 90.06 (2)° and space group C2/c]. The structure is isomorphous with other carnallite‐type compounds, such as NH4Cl·MgCl2·6H2O. Until now, natural and synthetic carnallite, KCl·MgCl2·6H2O, was only known in its orthorhombic form [a = 16.0780 (3), b = 22.3850 (5), c = 9.5422 (2) Å and space group Pnna]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]