Quantitative Mineralogical Analysis of Glauconite Sands from the Krantau Deposit: Implications for Industrial and Agricultural Utilization

The sustainable use of indigenous mineral resources has emerged as a strategic approach to developing environmentally friendly fertilizer technologies and reducing reliance on imported agrochemicals. Glauconite-bearing sands from the Krantau deposit in the Republic of Karakalpakstan are a promising potassium-rich mineral resource with great potential for agricultural use. However, their quantitative mineralogical composition and suitability for fertilizer production have not been fully assessed. As a result, the purpose of this study was to investigate the mineralogical characteristics of Krantau glauconite sands using qualitative and quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis in order to determine their potential as raw materials for sustainable mineral fertilizer production. Minor amounts of accessory phosphate minerals and halite were also found. The quantitative phase distribution shows that the investigated material has an optimal balance of potassium-bearing silicates and aluminosilicate minerals, resulting in a stable mineral matrix suitable for controlled nutrient release. Moreover, the mineral assemblage offers positive physico-chemical properties for mechanochemical treatment and industrial fertilizer production. The results demonstrate that the Krantau glauconite sands represent a significant indigenous agro-mineral resource for the production of environmentally friendly multi-nutrient fertilizers. This study provides a scientific basis for the efficient use of regional mineral resources, and promotes the future optimization of fertilizer technologies to improve nutrient-use efficiency, reduce the dependence on imported fertilizers, and promote sustainable agricultural production in arid regions.

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