China
Somewhere in the Taklimakan Desert is the Lop Nur Potash Ponds, one of the most impressive agricultural projects around the world. The desert contains a large quantity of potassium salt, which is extremely helpful in the growth of plants, as well as a great fertilizer. The salt is extracted from underground brines and then dried in giant solar ponds. The big contrast of colours seen in this photo is caused by the bright blue color of the water, which is dyed because darker colors would absorb more heat, which makes the process last longer.
Photo: Benjamin Grant / Daily Overview / Amphoto Books / DigitalGlobe