What are Humic Acids?

Humic acid is a group of molecules that can improve soil quality and promote crop growth. Here are some ways humic acids can benefit soil.

Enhances fertilizer utilization rate

Humic acid can be combined with various inorganic fertilizers to improve their efficiency and reduce nutrient leaching, resulting in better use of available nutrients by plants. When combined with different fertilizers, humic acids can improve soil quality, increase crop yield, and enhance crop quality.

Improves soil structure

Humic acid can improve soil structure by increasing soil porosity, aeration, and water-holding capacity, leading to better soil drainage and reducing soil erosion. Soil porosity refers to the amount and size of pores or spaces within the soil. The way humic acids improve soil porosity is through the formation of water-stable and porous structures.

Although more research is needed to determine how humic acids alter soil structure for the better, the acids form water-stable and porous structures through organo-mineral interaction, which modifies the soil surface and its particles chemically.

Promotes plant growth

Plants require 17 essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to grow. These nutrients are typically obtained from the soil. But after every harvest, the soil is depleted of these nutrients, so you must amend the soil to ensure a plentiful harvest on the next cycle.

Read: Everything You Need To Know About Humic Acid For Plants

Humic acids contain essential nutrients plants need to grow healthy. This compound also has trace minerals and natural growth boosters for higher yields. Humic acid can help plant roots absorb nutrients and water more efficiently, leading to better crop yield and quality.

Think of humic acids as a soil amendment material that boosts plant growth and crop productivity. Its benefits include:

• Enhancing fertilizer utilization rate.
• Improving soil structure.
• Promoting plant growth by increasing nutrient uptake and water-holding capacity.

5 Ways to Use Humic Acids to Enhance Soil Quality

How do humic acids affect the soil and improve plant health? Here are ways humic acids enhance soil quality.

Soil Conditioner: Humic acids work as soil conditioners by improving nutrient availability, enhancing soil structure and water-holding capacity, regulating pH, facilitating nutrient chelation, and promoting beneficial microbial activity. Their application can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices and support optimal crop growth and yield. You can apply humic acids directly into the soil.

Read: Using Soil Conditioner In The Garden

Compost Additive: Humic acids are versatile; they can be used in combination with other soil amendment products to enhance their effectiveness. If you notice a decline in plant health or productivity even when using compost, this could be a sign of compost overload syndrome (COS). Excessive use of compost or manure raises the amount of phosphorus and potassium in the soil, which can harm the soil and plants.

A simple soil test would verify the amount of phosphorus and potassium in the soil. If the pH is off and the soil has high levels of phosphorus and potassium, do not use compost – use humic acids instead.

Humic acids enrich the soil with essential nutrients for better plant and root health. In fact, if you’re giving the soil a break from compost, humic acids make a worthy alternative. It works similarly to compost.

Read: Soil Conditioner vs Compost

Seed-Starting Solution: Diluted in water, humic acids can be used as a solution for seed-starting. Humic acids can positively influence seed germination and early growth. One study found that humic acids boost germination and trigger early growth in poppy, pepper, rape, and hemp seeds.

Another study found that humic acids have a positive effect on tomato seeds as a growth medium. Using humic acids to trigger early growth leads to deeper roots, increased shoot length, and more leaves.

Transplanting Solution: Humic acids can be used as a growing medium or growth booster in seedlings. Seedlings can be quite fragile, even when big enough to be transplanted in the garden. Using humic acids helps increase the chances of survival when transplanting seedlings.

Humic acids can be used as a transplanting solution in different ways, including as a foliar spray, through tillage, and as a solution when diluted in water. The specific application method depends on the crop type and the soil’s current state. It’s important to note that slightly alkaline conditions are preferred for the effective use of humic acid. Humic acid in powder or flake form can be diluted in water to create a solution which is easier to apply.

Foliar Spray: Diluted in water to create a solution, humic acids can be sprayed all over plant leaves and the undersides. This is the best way to apply this product if you want to give your plants a quick boost of energy.

As a foliar spray, humic acids inhibit leaf discoloration, boost flower production, and improve soil health. You can also spray or pour the solution directly into the soil. It’s especially effective on heavy feeders like flowering plants and vegetables because it contains high concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

Several studies show how beneficial humic acids are in improving soil health. Humic acids transport nutrients from the soil to the plants, which promotes better plant health. Using humic acids regularly will improve soil health and increase yields season after season.

Where to Buy Humic Acid

The one crucial thing to consider when buying humic acids is the quality of the product. Not all products are created equally, and you get exactly what you paid for when it comes to humic acids.

Only trust reputable suppliers to ensure the highest purity, like ECOgardener. Discover the amazing benefits of humic acids with ECOgardener’s humic acid soil conditioner.

Shop now and enjoy fantastic value on organic, all-natural soil conditioners like humic acids at ECOgardener.