Humic Acid

Traditionally, humic acids have been broken down into two major fractions:

• Humic acid - high molecular weight, long chain compounds that are soluble in alkali but insoluble in acid
• Fulvic acid - low molecular weight, short chain compounds that are soluble in both alkali and acid

All humic acids are primarily composed of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen. They may also contain sulfur and phosphorus in varying minute amounts depending on the source. Like most natural polymers, humic acids have complex structures and contain a number of biologically active functional groups including carboxylic acid, phenolic hydroxyl, methoxyl and amine groups.

In soil, humic acids are formed through the chemical and biological humification of plant and animal matter. Humic acids are also found in coals. One low grade lignitic coal, leonardite, is a particularly good source of humic acids.

Why Add Humic Acid to the Soil?

It is generally recognized that soil, regardless of geographic location, must contain a minimum level of organic matter in the form of humus or humic acids. Soils with organic matter contents below these levels will not produce optimum crop yields.

One way to supplement organic matter in low humus soils is to add commercial humic acid preparations. For maximum performance, such preparations should contain effective levels of both humic and fulvic acids. Optimum application rates vary with crop and soil type but should be in the 10 - 300 ppm range.

Benefits

Today, there is a recognized and increasing use of commercial humic acids. Numerous greenhouse and field studies have shown that humic acids when used in combination with a well-managed fertiliser program can:

• Improve overall plant growth
• Increase root vitality
• Improve nutrient uptake
• Increase chlorophyll synthesis
• Improve seed germination
• Increase yields

Product Line

Our conventional potassium humate product, BorreGro HA-2, is made by extracting of high quality leonardite ore with caustic potash. It is available as either a liquid or powder and is ideal for use in organic farming.

Our premium potassium humate product, BorreGro HA-1, was developed for use where conventional humates can’t be used, or where their use requires a separate application step. Through patented technology (U.S. Patent 5,663,425), the humic acid component is sulphonated. This sulphonation process yields a humate product that is soluble over a wide pH range and has superior compatibility with commercial fertilisers and micronutrient products.