The frequent usage of harsh chemical fertilisers, pesticides and problematic manures can cause an imbalance in soil composition, resulting in the destruction of crucial soil microbes and inhibit nutrient absorption. The widespread use of chemicals has contributed to growers, across the globe, facing difficulty in finding healthy soil that hasn't been negatively affected by these chemicals. As a result, the quality and yield of crops have been negatively impacted.
Growers are now turning to biostimulants like natural humic and fulvic acid products in the hope it can help reverse the damage created by chemicals.
So what is humic and fulvic acids?
Humic and fulvic acids are key components of humic substances, which are important organic matter in soil, peat, and other earthy deposits. They play a vital role in soil fertility and plant nutrition. Here's a simple breakdown of what each one is:
Humic Acid:
Humic acid is a major component of humic substances and is found in rich, organic soil, peat, coal, and many bodies of water like upland streams, dystrophic lakes and ocean water. It's formed through the decomposition of organic material, particularly plants. Humic acid is not soluble in water under acidic conditions but becomes soluble in water at higher pH levels.
Fulvic Acid:
Fulvic acid is the highly active fraction of humic substances and is much smaller in molecular size than humic acid. It is soluble in water across all pH levels, making it highly available to plants and microorganisms in the soil.
What are the benefits of using humic and fulvic acids?
Humic and fulvic acids have several beneficial effects on soil and plant production. Here’s a rundown of their key impacts...
Nutrient Uptake and Efficiency:
- Both humic and fulvic acids enhance nutrient uptake by plants. They act as chelating agents, binding to nutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese, and make them more available and easier for plants to absorb. This results in more efficient nutrient use and can lead to improved plant health and growth.
- They also increase the efficiency of fertilisers, reducing the need for chemical inputs.
Soil Structure Improvement:
- Humic acids play a significant role in improving soil structure. They help create a crumbly, aerated soil texture, which is beneficial for root growth and water infiltration.
- Improved soil structure also aids in reducing soil erosion.
Water Retention and Aeration:
- These organic acids improve the soil's ability to retain water, which is especially beneficial in sandy soils or during dry conditions.
- They also enhance soil aeration, promoting healthier root systems.
Stimulating Microbial Activity:
- Humic and fulvic acids boost the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms. These microbes are essential for decomposing organic matter and cycling nutrients.
- Enhanced microbial activity leads to healthier soil ecosystems, further supporting plant growth.
Plant Growth, Development & Stress Resilience:
- Fulvic acid, in particular, is known for stimulating plant growth. It can lead to increased root and shoot growth, better seed germination, and overall healthier plant development.
- These acids can also improve plant resilience against stress, including drought, salinity, and extreme pH levels.
Detoxifying Soil:
- Humic and fulvic acids can help detoxify soils contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants. They bind to these harmful substances, reducing their availability to plants.
Enhancing Photosynthesis and Plant Metabolism:
- These organic acids can enhance photosynthesis and overall plant metabolism, leading to more vigorous growth and potentially higher yields.
Disease and Pest Resistance:
- There's some evidence that humic and fulvic acids can boost a plant's immune system, making them more resistant to certain diseases and pests.
In summary, humic and fulvic products are integral to a healthy soil ecosystem and contribute significantly to plant production. They work together to improve nutrient availability and efficiency, enhance soil structure and water retention, stimulate beneficial microbial activity, and support overall plant growth and health. These benefits lead to more sustainable and productive agricultural practices.
Looking for a quality humic and fulvic acid product to increase your soil fertility and plant health? Why not try Super Charged Humus Powder or ViAGrow in our plant boosters range today... https://nginstitute.com.au/collections/plant-boosters
