Humic acid is an acid derived from the final breakdown of organic matter. Over time, the chemical and biological humification of the decayed organic matter becomes concentrated and compressed into layers.

Curious about humic acid? You can check out our blog about humic acid and how it helps boost soil health for plant growth. This substance is often applied to the soil to improve its nutrient profile. There are many other benefits of humic acid but it is more popular in farming and gardening. Here are some of the uses or applications of humic acid.

Uses of Humic Acid

Farm and Agriculture: How is humic acid used in agriculture?

How is humic acid used in farming and crop production? In agriculture, humic acid promotes sustainability and boosts crop production. Studies show that humic acid improves the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, particularly the texture, cation exchange capacity, pH, soil carbon, enzymes, nitrogen cycling, nutrient availability, and ability to retain moisture.

When applied to the soil, humic acid promotes better plant growth by boosting the plants’ nutrient uptake. What’s more, humic acid can support the microbial population in the ground, promoting better soil and plant health.

Turf Grass and Lawn: How do I use humic acid on my lawn?

Keeping your lawn green and pristine is easy with humic acid. It’s best applied during the spring or fall season, just as the grass begins to sprout.

How to use humic acid on the lawn? Choose a windless day to amend the lawn soil with humic acid. Mix about 2 ounces of humic acid per gallon of water. Transfer the solution to a pump sprayer and start spraying the solution evenly on the lawn. Apply about one gallon of humic acid and water per 100 square feet of lawn.

Avoid applying the humic acid and water solution in the afternoon when sunlight is at its strongest. The solution could evaporate before being absorbed by the soil. Morning (before 9 AM) or evening (After 4 PM) are the best times to apply the humic acid solution. We suggest applying the humic acid right after spreading a microbe-feeding fertilizer so microbes will get the fullest benefit of humic acid.

Potted Plants: How to use humic acid for potted plants?

Humic acid can be applied to potted plants to improve the soil structure and nutrient profile. Also, humic acid boosts root growth, especially in seedlings and transplanted plants. The best time to amend the soil with humic acid is spring or fall season when the plants are growing. Humic acid is best applied when preparing the soil for gardening or in potted plants. You should also use humic acid as a soil amendment when transplanting seedlings.

Mix two tablespoons of humic acid per cubic foot of potting soil or dilute two teaspoons of humic acid in every gallon of water.

Houseplants: How to apply humic acid for indoor plants?

houseplants will also benefit from humic acid. When amending the soil of potted plants of any kind, you’ll only need a small amount, about two teaspoons of humic acid mixed in a gallon of water. Water using this solution every six to eight weeks for best results.

Flowering Plants: How do you use humic acid in flowering plants?

Got lots of flowering plants in the garden? Applying humic acid ensures a gorgeous garden come blooming season. Humic acid boosts the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological structure, promoting better plant growth and flower production!

For home gardeners who want to improve their flowering plants’ blooms, mix a tablespoon of humic acid per gallon of water. With a spray pumper, spray the solution liberally on the garden soil. Again, do this on a windless day, morning or evening – never in the afternoons because the intense sunlight could cause the solution to evaporate before being absorbed by the soil.

Row Crops: How do you use humic acid in flowering plants?

Regardless if you’re growing crops for food or business, you can boost crop production by mixing about ¼ teaspoon of humic acid per liter of water. Spray the solution into the soil or the undersides of the leaves of the plants.

Amending the soil with humic acid ensures faster germination if you grow crops from seeds. Humic acid improves nutrition uptakes and promotes better root development in row crops. Crops also become less vulnerable to pests and diseases, ensuring a bountiful harvest after the growing season!

Trees: How do you use humic acid on trees?

Is humic acid beneficial for trees of all kinds? You bet! It stimulates growth and promotes better plant health by boosting nutrient uptake. This helps trees grow deeper, stronger roots, bark, and canopies. On top of that, applying humic acid to the soil boosts the metabolism of trees.

To use humic acid to improve trees’ health, mix about 2 to 3 oz. to every gallon of water. Pour the solution around the root zone of the trees. You want to water just enough to soak the roots, about 4 inches or so. Apply as often as two to three weeks.

Greenhouse: How to use humic acid for a greenhouse?

Humic acid is particularly effective in greenhouse cropping and organic crop production. It boosts the yield while keeping fruit-bearing plants healthy in various horticultural applications. Humic acid promotes better plant health in different large-scale production systems by increasing the nutrient uptake of plants, establishing healthier roots, and reducing stress.

To amend the soil with humic acid, the amount you’ll use will depend on the size of the greenhouse. But generally, mix about 1 kilo of humic acid with 200 liters of water per hectare. For small sprayers, use 5 grams of humic acid with 1 liter of water.

For regular garden maintenance, apply humic acid once or twice per year. This goes for humates too. The first application is best made in early spring, just as the plants turn green from the warming weather.
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