Potassium nitrate Potassium nitrate Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K and nitrate ions NO, and is therefore an alkali metal nitrate. It occurs in nature as a mineral, niter. It is a source of nitrogen, from which it derives its name. Potassium nitrate is one of several nitrogen-containing compounds collectively referred to as saltpeter or saltpetre. Major uses of potassium nitrate are in fertilizers, tree stump removal, rocket propellants and fireworks. It is one of the major constituents of gunpowder (black powder) and has been used since the
Potassium polyacrylate Potassium polyacrylate Potassium polyacrylate is a potassium salt of polyacrylic acid with the chemical formula [−CH−CH(COK)−] As a type of superabsorbent polymer, it can absorb hundreds times its original weight in purified water. Different from sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate can be used as water retaining agent in agriculture and won't cause soil salinization. As a type of superabsorbent polymer for plants (Ag-SAP), potassium polyacrylate can increase moisture availability to plants. It mixes with soil to increase the soil’s capacity for holding water (with water gel form which stay in soil for months) and making it available to plants. This improved