Naturally, high grade sulfates of this kind can only be prepared in
chemical factories built especially for the work. The result is that
the potash per unit is raised greatly in price. When, however, the
fertilizers are to be transported to a great distance, the saving in
freight often more than compensates for the higher price of the potash.
It therefore happens that there are many places in this country where
the actual price of potash per pound is less in high grade sulfates
than in kainit or carnallit. When, in addition to this, the especial
fitness of the high grade sulfates for certain forms of fertilization,
especially tobacco growing, is considered, it is seen that at this
distance from the mines these high grade salts are of no inconsiderable
importance. The percentage of potash in the high grade sulfates often
exceeds fifty.
=246. Potassium Magnesium Carbonate.=—This salt has lately been
manufactured and used to a considerable extent, especially for tobacco
fertilizing. As furnished to the trade it has the following average
composition:
Potassium carbonate 35 to 40 per cent.
Magnesium carbonate 33 to 36 “
Water of crystallization 25 “
Potassium chlorid, potassium sulfate,
and insoluble 2 to 3 “
The content of potash, as is seen from the above formula, amounts to
from seventeen to eighteen per cent. The compound is completely dry,
is not hygroscopic, and is, therefore, always ready for distribution.
It is especially to be recommended for all those intensive cultures
where it is feared that chlorids and sulfates will prove injurious,
especially in the cultivation of tobacco.
=247. Potash in Factory Residues.=—The residues from the potash
factories in Stassfurt and vicinity contain considerable quantities
of potash and attempts have been made to recover this waste and put
it into form for fertilizing uses. The waste waters of the factories
are sometimes collected and evaporated, and the residue incinerated.
The content of potash in these residues is extremely variable, usually
quite low, and they, therefore, cannot be recommended for fertilizing
purposes, especially if they are to be transported to any distance.
=248. Quantity of Potash Salts Used.=—The total quantity of potash
delivered to consumers from the Stassfurt mines in 1891, the last
year for which complete statistics are at hand was 413,508 tons of
kainit and sylvinit, 39,444 tons of carnallit, 18,078 tons of sulfate,
and 12,453 tons of the potassium magnesium sulfate. Of the above
quantities, 115,245 tons of kainit were shipped to North America, and
of the high grade sulfate mentioned, 13,322 tons were sent to other
countries, and of the potassium magnesium sulfate, 11,081 tons were
exported.
METHODS OF ANALYSIS.
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