Humic substances comprising of Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid and Humin are three important organic constituents of Humus. ‘Humus’ which forms due to decomposition of organic matter plays an important role in maintaining soil fertility.
These humates ( Humic Acid & Fulvic Acid) are used in agriculture as soil conditioner. They maintain the ideal soil condition for crops and for beneficial microbes. Humic Acid is also useful in reviving dead soil due to indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers.
Research studies have shown that Humic Acid application increases crop yield by upto 70% while decreasing fertilizers expenditure by 30%. Both humic and fulvic acid differ in their solubility and are therefore distinct. The acids along with other additions are available in market under the name of ‘Humic Acid’ and here after the term ‘Humic Acid’ refers to the same.
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The use has come into trend as a result of positive responses from farmers and organic enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s learn what is Humic Acid and why it is so much beneficial.
What is humic acid?
Humic Acid is a mixture of complex organic acid molecules which forms during the decomposition of organic matter. In fact, they are the most active part of organic matter.
It is present in plant remains, Marsh peats, lignite deposits and in soil also. Moreover, they remain in the soil for longer period of time and does not disintegrate further in contrast with other composts.
Humic Substances for large scale use
Humic acids forms naturally in soil during decomposition but Leonardite ores is the commercial source. ‘Leonardite’ is an intermediate substance in coal forming process which has no fuel value. Actually it is a collection of organic acids during plant burial(coal formation) process which becomes hard over the time.
Thus Leonardite acts as a base material for industrial humic acid preparation.
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Benefits of humic acid application in soil
- Improves soil structure and cation exchange capacity of soil.
- Sustains and promotes beneficial soil microbial activity.
- Acts as plant and root growth promoter and also as a seed germination stimulant.
- Acts as buffer to control both excessive soil acidity and alkalinity.
- Boosts fertilizer use efficiency.
- Increases water holding capacity of soil and helps in water conservation.
- Reduces contamination of water by preventing nitrate leaching.
- Also increases soil aeration.
- Finally, Acts as natural chelate to bind important minerals which would otherwise be unavailable to plants.
Industrial Preparation
Naturally available Humic substances are insoluble in water. Therefore inorder to make it soluble and suitable for soil application further processing is necessary. In fact Humic Acid is extracted from leonardite with the help of strongly basic solution generally of Potassium Hydroxide .
Then after by lowering the pH of the extract, Humic Acid is available as colloidal sol. Whereas Fulvic acid remains in the liquid form. The settled Humic Acid is collected through a sieve and hardened for further use.
Available forms for end use
- Liquid form
Liquid form is prepared by reacting the humic acid with Potassium to form Potasisc humate which is soluble in water.
- Solid form
Solid form such as granular and flakes are available in the market which are ready to use. Humic amino balls are the most commonly available ones and farmer familiar product.
Use of humic acid in Agriculture
Humic acid is a eco-friendly natural organic mixture which has many benefits. Modern intensive Agriculture depends heavily on chemical fertilizers which decreases the organic matter content of the soil. Moreover, the organic content doesn’t replenishes over the time and soil begins to die due to excessive use.
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Humic acid is long lasting organic matter which enhances the overall viability of soil. It helps in betterment of physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Moreover, ultimately it provides conducive soil environment for crop growth.
Application
We can apply Humic Acid as a foliar application, as a seed coat, with irrigation, and also by broadcasting.
The granular form are ready to use ones either by broadcasting or as soil incorporation. Whereas liquid form is available as a concentrate and is diluted before application. Finally it is given as a foliar spray or along with irrigation.
To Conclude
Organic matters such as Humic acids has a vast potential to solve ecological agrarian crisis. With rising awareness among the people about the need of organic and sustainable farming, the use of humic substances in Agriculture finds increasing use.
NOTE – This article was originally published in agrikrit and can be viewed here
