Fertilizer The majority of the potassium chloride produced is used for making fertilizer, called potash, since the growth of many plants is limited by potassium availability. Potassium chloride sold as fertilizer is known as muriate of potash. The vast majority of potash fertilizer worldwide is sold as muriate of potash.[citation needed] Potassium chloride, compacted, fertilizer grade. Medical use Main article: Potassium chloride (medical use) Potassium is vital in the human body, and potassium chloride by mouth is the common means to treat low blood potassium, although it can also be given intravenously. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[11] Overdose causes hyperkalemia which can disrupt cell signaling to the extent that the heart will stop, reversibly in the case of some open heart surgeries. Culinary use Potassium chloride can be used as a salt substitute for food, but due to its weak, bitter, unsalty flavor, it is often mixed with ordinary table salt (sodium chloride) to improve the taste, to form low sodium salt. The addition of 1 ppm of thaumatin considerably reduces this bitterness.[12] Complaints of bitterness or a chemical or metallic taste are also reported with potassium chloride used in food.[13] Execution In the United States, potassium chloride is used as the final drug in the three injection sequence of lethal injection as a form of capital punishment. It induces cardiac arrest, ultimately killing the inmate.[14]