Humic acid is a soil enhancer. Its active ingredient is Humic and Fulvic Acids. Humic acid is critical in the development and maintenance of fertile soil. It is now understood to be an incredible vital soil amendment. While this does not directly provide substantial nutrition to plants, it provides the basis for efficient and vital nutrient uptake by plants. Higher concentrations of Humic Acid are not detrimental for plants, but low levels have quite negative impacts on above ground growth and crop yield. An example is a flower garden or crop production.
The positive charge of critical plant nutrients enables humic acid to bind and hold them. It makes those nutrients available to the root system (also negatively charged) on demand. In poorer arid soils, water and nutrients quickly flush through when watered. Which requires yet more applications of NPK, micronutrients and water. In an environment with sufficient amounts of the amendment, those nutrient molecules are bound and held by humic acids and require less nitrogen to be artificially added. As well as holding onto more water and removing toxins in the soil. In dense clay soils, humic acid neutralizes the salts which cause the clay to bind (chelate) in tight clumps. Thus, making the clay more porous and allowing more efficient root penetration.
When applying, consider adding kelp meal as well. Studies have shown that humic acid and seaweed (kelp) have an exponential impact above adding either one alone!
- encourages microbe growth in soil
- reduces stress from pollutants
- improves soil compaction
- supports water retention
- overall improves plant growth
Application:
Up to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden, or up to 10 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn, Top dressed and water in well. For potted plants, up to 2 tablespoons per cubic foot of potting mix.