Saltpeter, also known as potassium nitrate, is produced through various methods, primarily from natural deposits or through chemical processes. One common method involves extracting it from soil enriched with organic matter, where it forms as a result of microbial activity. Another method of production is through the reaction of potassium chloride and sodium nitrate in a laboratory setting. This process allows for the creation of high-purity saltpeter, which is used in fertilizers, food preservation, and even in the manufacture of explosives.