Doogan
Well-Known Member
Humic and Fulvic acids and their applications.
Humic acid is organic matter that is dark brown to black in color, which is water-soluble at more alkaline levels (pH >2). An organic catalyst, HA is derived from the organic components of soil, including humus or peat. HA is actually a by-product of the micro-herd that is responsible for breaking down dead organic matter; many different organic acids are formed when organic matter biodegrades, and humic acid is an intricate mixture of such acids. This conglomeration includes "complex aromatic macromolecules with amino acids, amino sugars, peptides [and] aliphatic compounds involved in linkages between the aromatic groups.
Fulvic acid is a water-soluble humic material of a light yellow to golden to yellow-brown color that carries a very low (acidic) pH but is soluble in all pH conditions. With a lower molecular weight than humic acid, fulvic acid contains a higher oxygen content but lower carbon than the high-molecular weight humic acid. Due to the low molecular weight of FA, the substance easily penetrates the leaves of the plant, even entering its mitochondria. It is able to easily pass through cell membranes, which aids in nutrient absorption. For this reason, fulvic acid is extremely efficient when applied as a foliar spray or root drench. Some gardeners balance the acidity of fulvic acid with more alkaline or basic supplements; for example, certain kelp products are processed with potassium hydroxide (caustic potash or KOH), which will help to swing the pH towards more desirable levels.
Humic is easily applied and used during feeding. I am not as familiar with Fulvic acids. I have known of gardeners using it for foliar feeding but not much else. As the information above says, they both provide an essential part of plant development.... but I wanted to know if there were any other applications and how do you use Fulvic acids???
Thanks.
Humic acid is organic matter that is dark brown to black in color, which is water-soluble at more alkaline levels (pH >2). An organic catalyst, HA is derived from the organic components of soil, including humus or peat. HA is actually a by-product of the micro-herd that is responsible for breaking down dead organic matter; many different organic acids are formed when organic matter biodegrades, and humic acid is an intricate mixture of such acids. This conglomeration includes "complex aromatic macromolecules with amino acids, amino sugars, peptides [and] aliphatic compounds involved in linkages between the aromatic groups.
Fulvic acid is a water-soluble humic material of a light yellow to golden to yellow-brown color that carries a very low (acidic) pH but is soluble in all pH conditions. With a lower molecular weight than humic acid, fulvic acid contains a higher oxygen content but lower carbon than the high-molecular weight humic acid. Due to the low molecular weight of FA, the substance easily penetrates the leaves of the plant, even entering its mitochondria. It is able to easily pass through cell membranes, which aids in nutrient absorption. For this reason, fulvic acid is extremely efficient when applied as a foliar spray or root drench. Some gardeners balance the acidity of fulvic acid with more alkaline or basic supplements; for example, certain kelp products are processed with potassium hydroxide (caustic potash or KOH), which will help to swing the pH towards more desirable levels.
Humic is easily applied and used during feeding. I am not as familiar with Fulvic acids. I have known of gardeners using it for foliar feeding but not much else. As the information above says, they both provide an essential part of plant development.... but I wanted to know if there were any other applications and how do you use Fulvic acids???
Thanks.