Research and Benefits
of Humic Acid
Humic acid (H/A) is one of the most important components of organic matter. It is an organic bio-stimulant that contains three very important components: Humic Acids, Fulvic Acids and Humin. It has many uses and has become very popular in organic lawn care and organic gardening. However, few people really know what it is or what it does.
The Benefits Of Adding Humic Acid
With an increasingly energized focus on environmentally friendly
approaches to plant care, humates are becoming more important. Although
it has been around since the earth's creation, people are now becoming
more aware of how it works.
Plants and microorganisms in soil benefit from applications of H/A in several ways. It has shown to stimulate root growth, increase carbohydrate production, have a hormone-like affect within the plant, and increase soil microorganisms. It has shown to be a great addition to your outdoor plant care when used correctly.
The soils that will benefit the greatest are those low in organic matter, such as clay or sandy soils. Look for products that have the highest concentrations of humic acids. These will provide the most benefit. Be aware that many products sold have very low concentrations that will provide little noticeable affect.
Conditions That Provide The Best Benefit:
- Soils, gardens or planters throughout the world that are low in organic matter will benefit the most. It is like having the benefits of organic matter without having an adequate amount. Warm temperatures are required for the highest activity.
- Southern U.S. or in tropical, humid climates where organic matter decomposes rapidly due to high moisture and high soil temperatures. Microorganisms are responsible for breaking down organic matter and locations with high temperatures have the highest microbe activity.
- Warm arid climates where production of organic matter is limited.
- Soil with high sand content will especially benefit from Humic Acid. Sand has a lowered ability to hold nutrients. H/A binds to and holds micronutrients in the root zone so they are available longer to plants.
- When used early in the year it reduces stress in plants when heat or drought conditions set in.
Facts About Humates/Humic Acid
Studies about humic acid have been increasing since it was discovered in the 1800's. However, not all humic products are made equally. The oldest natural humic materials, such as leonardite coal, will contain the highest quality. Look for products that states where the source is from.
Humic substances are dark brown in color and are the bio-chemically active ingredients of soil organic matter. They are created when soil microorganisms break down organic materials.
The word “humates” is sometimes used interchangeably with H/A. Various marketing schemes have attached the word to most every organic substance, but it actually applies to substance containing naturally occurring humic deposits.
Humic acid is not a fertilizer and will not burn, although some manufacturers will add nitrogen. Adding nitrogen is not a bad thing and will also benefit the plants.
However, don't confuse the quick acting effects of nitrogen with the effects of humic acid. Humates work differently in the plant. Products with higher concentrations of humic acid will obtain better results.
The following are some examples of materials containing humic deposits:
- Humates obtained from well decomposed peats, leonardite coal, lignite and brown coal.
- Composted seaweed.
- Almost any organic waste material that can be composted.
One of the richest sources of natural humates is from leonardite coal deposits in the Western deserts of the U.S..
Note: Not all composts are created equally. This means that not all organic matter contains desirable amounts of humic acid, fulvic acid and humin. The percent of humic substances in dry organic matter can range from 1.5% to over 75%. The materials that contain these in the greatest amounts are considered the best.
Liquid humic acid products will have both humic acid and fulvic acid. The average liquid product will have less than one (1) percent to twelve (12) percent by dry weight. The few liquid products that contain more than 12 percent are best.
Products containing low amounts of humic substances will give short term affects at best. If the product has too low of an amount there won't be enough to provide micronutrient chelation. Always look for the products containing the highest percent of H/A.
Effects of Humic Acid
- Increased nutrient content of soil.
- Increases soil fertility.
- Stimulates soil microorganisms with more efficient breakdown of organic matter.
- Increases the moisture holding capacity of soil.Chelation (means to "bind" or "hold on to") of micronutrients, especially iron, so that it can be used by plants.
- Increased photosynthesis and chlorophyll concentrations.
Other effects that can be attributed to organic humates.
- Stimulated root growth.
- Increase in shoot and blade production.
- May increase seed germination rates. However, there has not been a significant increase in actual field studies.
Again. applying a product that contains low amounts of humic substances will not likely provide satisfactory results. However, soils that are very low in organic matter will have the best results. Remember, the higher the quality and the amount a product contains, the better it will be for your lawn and plants.
References
Turfgrass Soil Fertility and Chemical Problems - Assessment and Management (R.N. Carrow/D.V. Waddington/P.E.Rieke)
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Clay Soil Problems and Solutions
Many lawns have problems with clay soil. The best solution for
excessive clay is to amend the soil with organic matter and various soil
conditioners, such as humic acid. This fact sheet will help understand how.
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