Humic compounds are the end products
of the decomposition or organic materials, they are recognised by most soil
scientists and agronomists as the most important component of a healthy fertile
soil.
Humic compounds, play a vital role in soil fertility and plant nutrition.
Plants grown on soils which contain adequate humic compounds are less subject
to stress, are healthier, produce higher yields; and the nutritional quality
of harvested foods and feeds is superior. The value of humic compounds in
soil fertility and plant nutrition relates to the many functions these complex
organic compounds perform as a part of the life cycle on earth.
Humic acid helps break up clay and compacted soils, assists in transferring
micronutrients from the soil to the plant, enhances water retention, increases
seed germination rates and percentages, and stimulates development of microflora
populations in soils. It improves the performance of marginally fertile soils,
of soils with low native organic matter, and of crops grown in arid regions.
Uptake of major plant nutrients is mediated by humic substances. One stimulative
effect of humic substances on plant growth is enhanced uptake of major plant
nutrients: nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). When adequate
humic substances are present within the soil the requirement for N P K fertiliser
applications is reduced.
The absorption of humic substances
into seeds has a positive influence on seed germination and seedling development.
The application of humic substance to seeds will increase seed germination,
resulting in higher seed germination rates. In order for improved germination
to occur the humic substances must be present within the cells of seeds.
As the humic substance enters the seed cells, respiration rate increases,
and cell division processes are accelerated. These same respiratory processes
enhance root meristem development and activate other growing points within
the seedlings. Humic substances have been demonstrated to enhance mitotic
activity during cell division under carefully controlled experiments. Placement
of these humic substances on seeds or within the seed furrow will significantly
improve seed germination and seedling development.
