How to Use Soil Amendments - Humates, Humic Acids and Humus

Humates, humic acids, humus… these soil amendments sound so similar! They are all good for the garden even though they are not really a fertilizer (since they do not add any nutrients to the plants), and they are not all the same.

Humic and fulvic acid, along with their amino acids, play distinct roles in enhancing soil nutrients and improving soil pH. Let's look at what they are, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Why Soil Health Matters

Soil health is crucial for understanding the foundation of healthy plant growth, and using soil amendments like humates and humic acid can significantly enhance this health. These humic substances, including humic and fulvic acids, improve soil structure, increase cation exchange capacity, and enhance nutrient uptake by chelating nutrients, which promotes better nutrient availability for plant roots.

Additionally, humic acid products contribute to improved soil quality by increasing water retention and encouraging beneficial soil microorganisms, ultimately leading to higher crop yields and stronger plant health.

By applying humic acid and other organic materials, you can create a thriving soil environment that supports optimal plant development, seed germination, and drought resistance.

The Role of Soil Amendments in Agriculture

Soil amendments, particularly humates and humic acid, play a vital role in agriculture by enhancing soil health and improving soil structure. The application of humic acids and fulvic acids boosts nutrient uptake by plants, aiding in nutrient absorption and promoting robust plant growth.

These humic substances increase cation exchange capacity and improve soil quality, making nutrients more available to plant roots while enhancing water retention in both sandy soils and compact soils.

By incorporating humic acid products into the soil, farmers can support biological activity, improve soil organic matter, and ultimately achieve higher crop yields and healthier plants.

What Are Humates, Humic Acids, and Humus?

Humates, humic acids, and humus are essential components of soil health, each playing a distinct role in supporting plant growth. Humic acids are a group of humic substances that enhance soil structure and improve nutrient uptake by chelating nutrients and increasing cation exchange capacity.

Fulvic acid, a subset of humic acids, is more soluble and helps with nutrient absorption in both sandy soils and compact soils, benefiting plant roots.

In contrast, humus is the well-decomposed organic matter that improves overall soil quality, contributing to water retention and fostering a healthy soil environment for microorganisms, which further enhances plant nutrition and crop yields.

Understanding Humates

What Are Humates?

Humates are organic compounds formed from the decomposition of plant and animal materials, significantly enhancing soil health. Comprising humic acids and fulvic acids, they play a critical role in improving soil structure and boosting nutrient uptake.

These humic and fulvic acids enhance plant growth by increasing cation exchange capacity and promoting better nutrient availability in various soil types, including sandy soils and compact soils. The chemical composition of humates includes humic molecules rich in organic matter, which support soil microorganisms and contribute to overall plant nutrition and crop yields.

Types of Humates: Fulvic Acid vs. Humic Acid

Humates primarily include humic acids and fulvic acid, each offering distinct benefits for soil health and plant growth. Humic acids are larger molecules that enhance soil structure and improve cation exchange capacity, while fulvic acid is smaller and more soluble, facilitating better nutrient uptake and absorption by plant roots.

Both humic and fulvic acids contribute to increased soil organic matter, aiding in water retention and enhancing nitrate uptake. Together, these humic substances support the overall quality of soil, fostering healthier plants and improving crop yields.

Benefits of Using Humates in Soil

Using humates, including humic acids and fulvic acid, significantly enhances soil health by improving soil structure and water retention. These humic substances increase cation exchange capacity, allowing for better nutrient availability and more efficient nutrient uptake by plant roots.

The addition of humic acid products promotes the development of organic matter, which is crucial for supporting plant growth and improving soil quality. Additionally, humates help maintain soil moisture, reduce toxic substances, and foster a thriving environment for soil microorganisms, ultimately boosting crop yields and promoting plant health.

How Humates Interact with Soil Microorganisms

Humates, including humic acid and fulvic acids, play a crucial role in fostering the biological activity of soil microorganisms. This symbiotic relationship enhances soil carbon levels and promotes root growth within the root zone, ultimately supporting plant development. Humic molecules facilitate the nitrate concentration and vitamin and mineral content, improving fertilizer efficiency while increasing water holding capacity in alkaline soils.

The presence of these organic acids not only aids in seed germination but also encourages the further decomposition of organic materials, benefiting the overall soil science and health of the ecosystem.

 

 

Unpacking Humic Acids

What Are Humic Acids?

Humic acids are complex organic substances formed from the decomposition of plant and animal materials, and they are a key component of humates and humic acid. Their chemical properties include long chain molecules that enhance soil carbon levels, improve water holding capacity, and support root growth within the root zone.

These acids significantly influence nitrate concentration, vitamin and mineral content, and the overall soil health, benefiting plant development and seed germination. By promoting biological activity in the soil, humic acids help facilitate the uptake of nutrients, contributing to fertilizer efficiency and drought resistance in alkaline soils.

The Role of Humic Acids in Soil

Humic acids play a vital role in enhancing soil quality, significantly supporting plant growth. They improve water holding capacity and soil carbon levels, facilitating better root growth in the root zone.

These acids aid in nutrient availability by chelating essential trace elements, enhancing vitamin and mineral content, and boosting nitrate concentration. Moreover, the benefits of humic acids extend to promoting biological activity in the soil, leading to improved fertilizer efficiency, drought resistance, and overall plant development in various soil types, including alkaline soils.

Improving Nutrient Uptake with Humic Acids

Humic acids significantly enhance nutrient uptake by increasing the bioavailability of essential nutrients in the soil. They work by improving the chemical properties of the soil, facilitating better access to trace elements and increasing nitrate concentration within the root zone.

This enhancement leads to improved vitamin and mineral content for plants, promoting robust root growth and effective seed germination. Additionally, the benefits of humic acids extend to fostering biological activity, which further contributes to nutrient cycling and overall plant development, especially in alkaline soils.

Humic Acids and Plant Root Development

Humic acids play a crucial role in enhancing plant root development by promoting root growth and improving overall root health. They contribute to the chemical properties of the soil, facilitating nutrient absorption within the root zone and enhancing the vitamin and mineral content available to plants.

Additionally, the benefits of humic acids include increased water holding capacity and improved drought resistance, which are vital for robust root systems in various soil types, including alkaline soils. By fostering biological activity, humic acids support effective seed germination and the overall vitality of the plant's root system.

Understanding Humus: The Carbon-Rich Matrix in Fertile Soils

Fertile soil is the lifeblood of agriculture and gardening, harboring a complex ecosystem of components that collaborate to sustain plant life and foster optimal growth. At the heart of this ecosystem lies a mysterious substance known as humus. Humus, often overlooked but crucial, plays a pivotal role in soil health and plant vitality.

The Essence of Humus

All fertile soil boasts a rich composition consisting of various elements, including decomposing organic matter, living organisms such as plant roots, microbes, worms, insects, and small animals. However, one of the most vital components is humus. Humus can be defined as the carbon-rich matrix derived from fully decomposed organic matter.

This enigmatic substance can be found not only in naturally occurring soils with decomposed organic matter but also in man-made environments like compost heaps, worm castings, sphagnum peat moss, and other aged organic materials. Its age and color are key indicators of its richness and effectiveness. The older and darker humus is, the more valuable it becomes in enhancing soil fertility and plant growth.

Composition of Humus

Humus is a complex blend of organic compounds, including lignins, fats, and sugars. However, its true power lies in three distinct types of chemical compounds known as "humic substances." These humic substances—humin, humic acids, and fulvic acids—are classes of chemicals composed of numerous biologically active compounds, each with its unique characteristics.

1. Humin: Among the three, humin is the most stable component of humus. It significantly contributes to improving soil structure, making it more conducive to plant growth. However, it is not easily utilized by plant roots, which makes it less influential in directly nourishing plants.

2. Fulvic Acids: In contrast, fulvic acids are the most bio-available of the humic substances. While they have little direct effect on soil structure, they play a crucial role in enhancing nutrient and water retention and uptake by plant roots. This makes fulvic acids a valuable asset for plant growth, as they facilitate the efficient absorption of essential elements.

3. Humic Acids: Humic acids strike a balance between stability and bio-availability. They can be applied to soil to provide numerous benefits over time. One of their most significant contributions is raising the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of the soil, a pivotal parameter for nutrient and water retention and uptake. Scientific research supports the efficacy of humic acids in enhancing soil structure and promoting plant growth.

Scientific Evidence for Humic Acid Benefits

The application of humic acids to soil has been a subject of scientific inquiry for many years, with compelling evidence supporting their positive effects on soil and plant health. Here are some key findings from field studies and research:

1. Enhanced Soil Structure

Humic acids have a remarkable capacity to improve soil structure. They act as a binding agent, aggregating soil particles into stable granules. This enhances soil porosity, aeration, and water infiltration, ultimately creating an environment where plant roots can thrive.

2. Increased Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

The Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is a measure of a soil's ability to hold and exchange essential nutrients with plant roots. Humic acids substantially increase the CEC, ensuring that the soil can retain a greater quantity of nutrients. This is vital for plant growth, as it ensures a steady supply of essential elements.

3. Enhanced Nutrient and Water Uptake

Plants grown in soil treated with humic acids exhibit improved nutrient and water uptake. This phenomenon leads to healthier and more robust plants. Studies have shown that crops grown in humic-acid-enriched soil tend to have higher yields and better resistance to environmental stressors.

4. Stronger Roots and Bigger Plants

One of the most compelling outcomes of using humic acids in agriculture is the development of stronger roots and larger plants. Research demonstrates that plants grown in humic-rich soils exhibit more extensive root systems, which contribute to increased plant stability, resilience, and overall productivity.

5. Compatibility and Versatility

Contrary to the name, humic acids do not make the soil acidic. They can be safely used in any type of soil, making them versatile for various horticultural purposes. Whether you are growing vegetables, flowers, trees, or maintaining a lush lawn, humic acids can enhance the soil environment, promoting healthier plant growth.

Humus, often overshadowed by more prominent elements in fertile soil, is a fundamental component that holds the key to soil health and plant vitality. Its complex composition, comprising lignins, fats, sugars, and the three humic substances (humin, humic acids, and fulvic acids), makes it a powerful ally in agriculture and gardening.

Scientific research unequivocally supports the benefits of humic acids in enhancing soil structure, increasing Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and promoting the growth of stronger, healthier plants.

So Where do Humates Come into This Equation?

Humic acids are naturally a liquid. Humates, also called granular humic acids (Activate 80), are what you get when humic acids are rendered into a solid, through what is essentially a dehydration process. Humates contain the same compounds and thus have the same benefits as applying liquid humic acids such as Humax. Once applied to the soil and watered in, they will dissolve into their active liquid form again. The best way to add humic acids to your soil is with humates derived from leonardite shale. Leonardite is a rock formed from pressurized peat, which has a very high humic acid content–45 to 50%! Humax, which is also derived from leonardite, is a faster acting humic acid source, but has been diluted to 12% humic acids. It is best for foliar and fertigation applications.

Adding Humic Acid to the Garden-Forms

• Granular Humic Acids–Derived from Leonardite shale, contains 50% humic acids. Similar to Activate 80-Course, but in a smaller size.
• Acivate 80-Course Grade Humate–Derived from Leonardite shale, contains 45% humic acids.
• Activate 80 Micronized Humate–Derived from Leonardite shale, contains 55% humic acids. Can be delivered through irrigation lines. Does not fully go into solution, must keep agitated.
• Humax–Derived from Leonardite shale, contains 12% humic acids. Liquid humic acid, fully water soluble.

Application of Humate

To get the benefits of humic acids in your garden, only a little humate is required.

• Use 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden, or 3 to 10 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn. Top dress or mix into the root zone, and water well.
• For potted plants, use 2 Tablespoons per cubic foot of potting mix, or water in by mixing 2 teaspoons per gallon every six to eight weeks.
• If you’re using liquid humic acids, apply 1 to 2 quarts of Humax per acre, diluted with at least 30 gallons of water for soil application or 6 gallons of water for foliar application. For the home gardener, 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water.

Adding "Whole" Humus to the Garden

Humic acids can also be applied to your garden by adding “whole” humus. Earthworm castings, compost, and sphagnum moss all contain some humus. Applying humus provides a much lower percentage of humic acids than using leonardite-derived humates, humus does have additional advantages such as providing organic matter, beneficial microbes, and even better water retention than humates. Humates, humic acids, and humus are all great choices at planting time. Just don’t get them mixed up with hummus, which your veggies are dipped in after harvest! Help your garden with humic acids, and grow organic for life!

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the distinct roles of humates and humic acid is essential for enhancing soil health and promoting optimal plant development. By utilizing humic acid applications, gardeners and farmers can significantly improve soil structure, increase water holding capacity, and facilitate nutrient uptake—crucial for robust root growth and effective seed germination.

The benefits of humic acids extend to fostering biological activity, which in turn enhances the chemical properties of the soil, ensuring a thriving environment for plants.

Whether dealing with alkaline soils or other soil types, integrating these organic acids into your gardening practices will undoubtedly support healthier plants, improve nitrate concentration, and promote overall soil quality, paving the way for sustainable agricultural success. For high-quality fertilizers that add humus or humic acid, visit Grow Organic.

FAQs on How to Use Soil Amendments - Humates, Humic Acids, and Humus

• 1. What are the benefits of humates and humic acid in soil management?

  • Humates and humic acid improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and promote root growth. These amendments enhance biological activity and soil carbon levels, making them valuable for healthy plant development.

• 2. How does humic acid improve fertilizer efficiency?

  • Humic acid boosts fertilizer efficiency by binding to nutrients and making them more accessible to plant roots. This enhances the effectiveness of water-soluble inorganic fertilizers and reduces nutrient leaching.

• 3. What are the primary benefits of humic acids for plants?

  • The benefits of humic acids include increased water holding capacity, improved drought resistance, enhanced root growth, and better nutrient uptake. Humic acids also aid in improving soil biol and plant development by promoting biological activities in the root zone.

• 4. What is the role of humic and fulvic acids in plant growth?

  • Humic and fulvic acids improve root zone conditions, facilitate nutrient absorption, and enhance the overall soil structure. Fulvic acids, due to their smaller molecular size, penetrate plant cells more easily and assist in transporting trace elements across the root plasma membrane.

• 5. How does humic acid affect soil pH and alkaline soils?

  • Humic acid can buffer soil pH, making it more neutral, which is particularly beneficial for alkaline soils. This buffering capacity helps improve nutrient availability and reduces the harmful effects of excess alkalinity on plants.

• 6. Can humic acid applications benefit seed germination?

  • Yes, humic acid applications can enhance seed germination by improving the water retention and biological activity in the root zone, which provides optimal conditions for seeds to sprout and grow.

• 7. How does humic acid contribute to soil carbon and long-term soil health?

  • Humic acids play a significant role in increasing soil carbon by promoting the accumulation of organic matter. Over time, this organic matter undergoes further decomposition, forming stable humus, which supports long-term soil fertility.

• 8. What impact do humic acids have on drought tolerance in plants?

  • Humic acids improve a plant’s drought tolerance by increasing the water holding capacity of the soil. This helps plants retain moisture for longer periods, reducing stress during drought conditions.

• 9. How do humic acid and organic acids influence nutrient availability?

  • Humic acid and other organic acids chelate essential nutrients, making them more available to plant roots. This process improves the nitrate concentration in the soil and enhances the uptake of trace elements and vitamins, which are crucial for plant growth.

• 10. Do humates and humic acids exist naturally in soils?

  • Yes, humates and humic acids exist naturally in soils as a result of the decomposition of organic matter. They are a key component of soil carbon and help improve soil structure and fertility.

• 11. What is the effect of humic acid on root systems?

  • Humic acid stimulates the development of stronger and deeper root systems by promoting root growth and improving the nutrient exchange between the plant and soil. This enhances the plant's overall health and productivity.

• 12. How do humic acids interact with clay minerals in the soil?

  • Humic acids bind to clay minerals, improving soil structure and enhancing the fixation properties of nutrients. This reduces nutrient leaching and increases the retention of vital minerals within the root zones.

• 13. How does humic acid impact the chemical properties of soil?

  • Humic acid improves the chemical properties of soil by increasing cation exchange capacity (CEC), which helps retain and supply nutrients to plants. It also enhances soil biol and the chemical structures of organic matter within the soil.

• 14. Can humic acid improve the vitamin and mineral content of plants?

  • Yes, humic acid enhances the uptake of essential vitamins and minerals by improving the root system's efficiency and nutrient absorption from the soil. This leads to healthier, more nutrient-rich plants.

• 15. What are the benefits of humic acid applications for flowering plants?

  • Humic acid applications improve nutrient uptake, increase root growth, and enhance flowering and fruiting. These benefits of humic acids are particularly valuable for flowering plants, which require optimal nutrition for healthy blooms.

• 16. How do humic molecules impact biological activity in the soil?

  • Humic molecules enhance biological activity by creating a favorable environment for beneficial microbes. These microbes break down organic matter and release essential nutrients that are readily available for plant use.

• 17. Can humic acid application improve plant development under alkaline solutions?

  • Yes, humic acid application can enhance plant development in alkaline soils by neutralizing high pH levels, improving nutrient uptake, and supporting the overall biological activities within the soil.

• 18. How does humic acid affect the root plasma membrane and nutrient absorption?

  • Humic acid influences the root plasma membrane by increasing its permeability, allowing for better absorption of nutrients and water, which supports healthier plant growth.

• 19. How does soil science explain the role of humic acids in carbon dioxide exchange?

  • Soil science shows that humic acids contribute to carbon dioxide exchange by enhancing soil respiration and microbial activity. The presence of humic acids in soil also promotes carbon dioxide sequestration, contributing to environmental sustainability.

• 20. What is the relationship between humic acid, carbon dioxide, and the soil surface?

  • Humic acid enhances carbon dioxide exchange at the soil surface by stimulating biological activities that release carbon dioxide from decomposing organic matter. This process contributes to soil health and carbon cycling.

• 21. How do humic acids help in improving drought resistance and fertilizer efficiency?

  • Humic acids enhance drought resistance by improving soil water retention, and they increase fertilizer efficiency by reducing nutrient loss. This makes plants more resilient and productive, even under challenging conditions.

• 22. Can humic acid applications increase the fixation properties of nutrients in soil?

  • Yes, humic acid applications increase the fixation properties of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, ensuring they remain available in the soil for plant use over time.

• 23. How does the decomposition of organic matter lead to humic acid formation?

  • During the decomposition process, organic matter breaks down into smaller molecules, including organic acids and long chain molecules. These eventually form humic acids, which contribute to soil health and fertility.

• 24. What role does humic acid play in the root zones of plants?

  • Humic acid enhances the root zones by improving water and nutrient availability, stimulating root growth, and promoting the biological activities of beneficial soil organisms.

• 25. How do humic acids affect the chemical structures of organic matter in soil?

  • Humic acids stabilize the chemical structures of organic matter by promoting further decomposition and enhancing the release of nutrients, which are essential for plant growth and soil fertility.

Additional Information

1. Soil Quality Information - Penn State Extension: This article discusses the importance of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) in enhancing soil properties. It highlights how humus, a stable form of SOM, improves soil's nutrient and water-holding capacities, structure, and fertility. It also covers managing soil compaction and water-holding capacity through the addition of organic matter like compost or crop residues​. Penn State University.

2. Making and Using Compost - MU Extension: This guide provides a comprehensive look at composting, including the layering technique for building compost piles. It emphasizes the importance of balancing carbon and nitrogen materials and managing moisture levels. The guide also explains the role of compost in contributing to soil humus and enhancing garden soil​. University of Missouri.

3. Choosing a Soil Amendment - Colorado State University Extension: This article explores various soil amendments, including the use of sphagnum peat and composted manure. It emphasizes the role of these amendments in improving soil's physical properties and discusses factors like soil texture, salinity, and amendment longevity that should be considered when selecting an amendment​. Colorado State University.

4. Do the Rot Thing - Choosing and Using a Composting System - OSU Extension Service: This resource offers various methods for composting, from low-fuss techniques to more involved hot composting processes. It provides detailed steps for creating compost piles and the conditions necessary for transforming organic waste into humus, which is beneficial for garden soil​. Oregon State University.