An astonishing photograph captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station reveals the presence of 23 vibrant ponds amidst a barren desert landscape devoid of vegetation.
These striking ponds, though appearing natural, are actually man-made potash evaporation ponds, meticulously arranged by the world's largest producer of potassium chloride, an American company based in Denver, since 1965.
The allure of these ponds lies in their captivating beauty, with a harmonious display of varying sizes and shapes that resembles an artist's masterpiece.
The juxtaposition of the vividly colored salt ponds against the backdrop of the desert's brown Gobi beaches creates an abstract landscape.
These potash evaporation ponds, resembling blocks of sapphire, hold more significance than mere aesthetics. Potash, a valuable resource, is a testament to billions of years of environmental changes on Earth.
Situated along the Colorado River, approximately 30 kilometers west of Moab, Utah, the potash evaporation ponds cover an area of 1.5 square kilometers. These ponds are lined with rubber to retain the salt.
Other salt evaporation ponds naturally exhibit a slight reddish hue due to the presence of certain algae. In contrast, the bright blue color of these potash evaporation ponds is achieved through the addition of artificial dyes, enhancing sunlight absorption and evaporation.
Once the potassium and salt have been separated, they are collected and sent for further processing.
The majority of the world's potassium reserves originated from ancient oceans that once covered the very land on which we now stand. As the water evaporated, potassium salts crystallized, forming potash deposits.
Over time, tectonic shifts buried these sediments under layers of soil, transforming them into potash ores.
In the Moab area of Utah, it is estimated that there are approximately 2 billion tons of potash, deposited around 300 million years ago, lying about 1,200 meters beneath the surface.
To extract potash, workers drill wells into the mines and pump hot water underground to dissolve the potassium. The resulting brine is then brought to the surface and directed into evaporation ponds.
Over a period of about 300 days, the sun evaporates the water, leaving behind crystals of potassium and other salts. While the ponds are present throughout the year, evaporation is most significant during the summer months, from May to September.
What is the purpose of the potassium salt that is extracted from the earth? Over 95% of it is used in the production of fertilizers. Potash fertilizer plays a vital role in agriculture, influencing crop yields and quality.
It supports more than 60 enzymatic activities, aids in photosynthesis, and contributes to the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins.
In essence, potassium fertilizer makes crops resilient against pests, cold weather, and drought, thereby greatly enhancing the quality and quantity of agricultural produce.
In addition to its predominant use in agriculture, potassium salts find application in various industries, albeit in smaller quantities. They are utilized in manufacturing cleaning agents, glass, textiles, and electrical appliances.
