Humates

 

Humates are the salts of humic acids. They are highly biodegraded and compressed remains of ancient plant and animal materials. Simply put, they are the highly decomposed organic materials that have fossilized over a period of millions of years. The chemical properties of humate and humic acid are basically the same.

Humic acids are found naturally in nature wherever there is organic matter. The higher the organic matter in the soil the higher the amounts of humic acid are present. Micro-organisms break down the plant material and while they are doing that they secrete humic acids. In healthy micro environments both short chain and long chain molecules of humic acids are secreted. The short chain molecules are known as fulvic acids. These short chain molecules are very easily absorbed by the plant roots and if applied to the above ground portion of the plant, the plant will readily absorb the fulvic acids. The long chain molecules play a more active role in the soil. Humic acid is also a result of composting of organic matter. Many claim that it is the humic acid that is secreted by the microbes that make compost so valuable to the soil as well as improving the health of the plant.

Humates provide an available long chain carbon material to the soil structure. Carbon is a basic element for all life forms. This carbon matrix promotes enhanced soil microbial activity for both indigenous bacteria and those added to the soil, especially michoriza. This aids in the formation of a balanced soil structure for proper plant development. .

Fulvic acid contains a very high energy factor. With just a little movement fulvic acid will discharge a static charge. Plants respond to this in a very positive way. Insects seem to leave high energy plants alone. The immune system of the plant seems to work better when energy levels of the plant are elevated.

Used in conjunction with a balanced fertility program, quality humates will (a) enhance the overall performance of the fertilizers to a point that an actual reduction of basic N-P-K per 1,000 square feet may be appropriate over time; (b) enhance the development of root systems (michoriza); (c) enhance success of seed germination and overall plant development; (d) enhance overall plant health, resistance to stress, and appearance.

There are many different humate-based products available on the market and there is much discussion going on about the quality of some of these products. Many recommend to avoid coal-based products, which are cheaper but not effective. A lot of the information available is mislading and/or confusing.

Here's what National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) has to say about humates on their website:

"Humates are commercial products usually prepared from leonardite, an oxidized form of lignite coal and clay. Leonardite may contain up to 60% humic and fulvic acids, which mimic the "active" part of soil humus. (...) For the most part the organic acids extracted from leonardite bear little resemblance to the humic or fulvic acids in soils. Although extremely useful and cost-efficient in certain situations—as nutrient substrates in soilless greenhouse production for example—humates and similar products are less clearly helpful in many field situations.(...) Where humates have shown the most promise is as natural soil amendments in areas with alkaline, low-organic-matter soils. Such soils are common across a wide range of agricultural production zones in the southern and western U.S. Leonardite and similar products are generally consistent with organic production practices, given that they are natural products with proven benefit in certain situations. Some extracts, however, are not acceptable in certified organic production, depending on the extraction process used."