He visits the owners and urges the desirability of leasing according to his terms. The leases bind the lessor and lessee to a number of conditions relating to testing, erection of a plant, pumping, etc. As most potash is derived from the beds of lakes, that is, from the sub-surface, it is the practice to test out the waters below the lakes proper. This is done by putting down wells fifteen to forty feet by drilling. At first the production of the brine was from lake waters, but now the principal production is from the sub-surface sands.
Production is by pumping and the brines are delivered to the reduction plants through pipe lines.
High suction pumps are required to remove the brine. The pumping is done by motor-driven or gas engines. The brines are treated in reduction plants. The evaporation of brine is the main process in potash production. It requires extensive equipment and about seventy-five percent of the coal consumed in a plant.