Well,
The principal potassium minerals of silicate rocks are the feldspars orthoclase and microcline (KAlSi3O8), the micas, and the feldspathoid leucite (KAlSi2O6). The potassium feldspars are resistant to attack by water. Presumably they are altered to silica, clay, and potassium ions by the same process as other feldspars, only more slowly. In sediments, the potassium commonly is present in unaltered feldspar or mica particles or in illite or other clay minerals. Evaporite rocks may locally include beds of potassium salts and constitute a source for high potassium concentration in brines. Average content of potassium in living plants, according to data given by Mason (1952, p. 199), is near 0.3 percent. Concentrations in dry plant material and in ash are substantially greater .Wood ashes have been used by humans as a potash source for many centuries.
Sincerely
To build on potash from Bayan Hussien , the increases of wildfire intensity, frequency, and size, mostly in the southern hemisphere, increases the probability of smoldering fire conditions below the surface. The product of a smoldering fire is white ash, which is the result of complete combustion. As these fire smolder below the surface they slowly "spread" making large pockets of white ash, which is mostly K+.
The leaching of potassium fertilizet through the soil can contribute potassium to the groundwater.
I agree with Saha answer. "The leaching of potassium fertilizet through the soil can contribute potassium to the groundwater"
Thank you, Sir Professor Omar Al-Khashman for your continuous support. With best regards
Sudip Saha
The dissolution of sylvite and potassium rich clay minerals can also release potassium to the groundwater.
Bayan Hussien's answer covers most occurrences but leaves out essential emphasis. Evaporites are uncommon, so dissolution into aquifers is uncommon. Aquifer flushing during low-stands of sea level have also dissolved some of the potential evaporite sources we might otherwise see now (a time of high-stand). Finally, K-bearing evaporites are a small subset of evaporites themselves because evaporating brine rarely reaches the end-member stage where K-salts deposit. Where K-salts exist and are dissolved by groundwater, Mg, Cl, and SO4 often are exceptionally high as well as K.
Feldspar dissolution gives no more than a few ppm of K to groundwater.
In rural settings, wood ash (1-2 % K) from cooking fires certainly contributes to shallow aquifers (say
Sudip Saha Potassium is a closely associated element with Sodium. So where we find abundant sodium, there are good chances of potassium as well. Moreover, Potassium is in artificial fertilizers which are abundantly used to enhance crop growth. The other factor is leeching from potassium rich clays (feldspar, muscovite etc). So there are many factors which are contributing to potassium richness in groundwater.
Effective discussions are there due to active participation of the scientists/Profs and really, it is a very effective class about the availability of the most essential elements in soil.
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