A): We use humic to condition the soil to create a stable humus. In all soils, according to FAO over the past 200 years, we lost stable humus. The organic acid or humic creates stable humus by conditioning texture and enhancing soil chemistry, chelating, complexing, and buffering capacities for better soil health. Fulvic acid is the best functional carbon to use with foliar application or side-dress with the seed for better vigor and nutrient translocation. (use one quart of fulvic which is ¼ of the humic rate per acre) For example, if you use 4 gal. humic/acre per you will get 1 qt of fulvic per acre/ application

Client expectations: Clients should be educated on how humic and fulvic works for crop production and soil health. Then they will develop their own expectations accordingly. In general, the main expectation is that the humic will enhance their soil health and ensure a good return on investment (ROI).

A): Generally, the humic helps the plant translocate the micro-macro nutrients (especially calcium) that makes the cell walls stronger and more firm with higher quality. Some studies show that fruits are harvested 5- 10 days earlier. Many fruit growers have also reported better taste but there is no data to quantify that. With apples, there is less bitterbit.

A): There are no possible plant side effects. According to my research, however, if you apply more than 10 gal/acre of humic at one time, it will make plants over-activate enzymes and hormones which can result in yield reduction. This is why we don’t recommend applying more than 10 gal/acre at one time. You can apply in different intervals.

A): There is a common misconception that microbes eat carbon from humic. Humic functional groups create energy for microbes. Since they are comprised of nanoparticles, they create micropores, in which roots, water, and nutrients reside. The other portion of the soil forms macropores in which oxygen resides. Another change is excellent aggregate stability with stable humus which is a million-dollar house for microbes. Humic will enhance the microbial population, which helps soil health. In turn, the soil will have more beneficial fungi, bacteria, and protozoa…., thus enhancing soil health.

A): Refer to above questions. Soil becomes very friable, depending upon different soil types (montmorillonite, vermiculite etc). In most cases, you will notice an increase in crop quality. Montmorillonite will show better results than the other types. However, it is also contingent on particular cultural practices.

A): Noticeable results may be seen in the first season. Applying any recommended amounts may enhance your fertilizer and water-use efficiency. If you apply the required nutrients (fertilizers) you should notice healthier plants and an ample amount of nutrients from your tissue analysis reports. By the 3rd year, you can quantify increases of yield and quality parameters.

A): If we use humic (best used with required nutrients for different crop), I have generally observed better vigor to the stand, crop uniformity, water infiltration, and good overall quality. This is contingent upon quantity applied, when it is applied, along with general soil conditions.

A): Humic acid increases nutrient uptake, drought tolerance, and seed germination. It increases the microbial activity in the soil, making it an excellent root stimulator. Humic acid increases the availability of nutrients in our fertilizers and in those already existing in your soil. It will help to aerate the soil from the inside. It will also help to lower the pH of the soil to a more neutral level and will flush high levels of salts out of the root zone, all of which will help to promote better plant health and growth.

A): Humic acids are an excellent natural and 100% organic way to provide plants and soil with a concentrated dose of essential nutrients, vitamins and trace elements. The best source of humic acid is derived from midwestern sedimentation layers called Leonardite. Humic acids enhance plant growth particularly biomass production and fertility of the soil. As humic acids are completely decomposed, they do not enter into nutritional competition with plants for nutrients such as for nitrogen. Current scientific studies show that the fertility of the soil is determined to a very large extent by the content of the humic substance in the matrix. Their high cation-exchange capacity (movement of ions across the root), oxygen content as well as high water holding capacity are but a few reasons for using humic acids in the improvement of soil fertility and plant growth.

A): I generally assess what’s needed by looking at the soil analysis report, finding the missing links, (deficiencies) and assessing the organic matter. I then check the percentages of sand-silt-clay. Based on macro-micro parameters on crop fertility guidelines, I will calculate soil needs accordingly and give my recommendations for the necessary quantities of humic. After having reviewed 20,000 soil reports for humic recommendations, I find that on average, each field crop requires approximately 4 gallons per acre, even with high organic matter in the soil.

A): By supplying the soil with sufficient humic acid, we help to bind cations (positively charged elements). The ability to chelate positively charged multivalent ions (Mg, Ca, Fe and other “trace minerals” of value to plants) is probably the most important role of humic acid, with respect to your soil. By chelating the ions, humic acid facilitates the uptake of the ions by means of several mechanisms, one of which is preventing their precipitation (leaching through the soil). Another is the direct and positive influence on their bio-availability. It can also detoxify the soil of heavy metals. Research has shown that heavy metals can be “locked up” with the addition of humic acid.