What is Humic Acid?

It refers to a natural polymer organic matter that is formed through the decomposition & transformation of plant residues, animal, and even geochemical processes. It is majorly extracted from weathered coal, lignite, and peat. Although organic humic acid is obtained from the soil, it has several beneficial properties for the soil. Humic acid when added to soil triggers the process of soil aggregate structure formation, improving air permeability, and enhancing soil’s water retention.

Fundamental Concept of Humic Acid

Since humic acid isn’t a pure substance, it is a complex mixture whose composition majorly depends upon the source. On a macroscopic scale, the remains of plants & animals, primarily plants, forms a type of organic matter through microbial decomposition and is practically useful to the agriculture sector. In recent years, humic acids have gained promising popularity in most parts of the world, and agriculture scientists are still weighing the benefits of humic acid and how they can improve it.

The Mechanism of Humic Acid

The humic acid serves as an essential medium that transports nutrients from the soil to the plants, but how? The humic acid can hold ionized nutrients, therefore, preventing it from leaching away. Further, the acid is also attracted to the plant root’s depletion zone. And, when the humic acid arrives at the root, it brings along nutrients and water that a plant needs to survive & thrive. So, the depletion zone can easily be depleted of essential nutrients that root draws if there is a lack of humic acid. So, humic acid supplies the nutrients that the plants need to expand out of the depletion zone. The nutrients in the form of positive ions are quickly absorbed by the root of the plant as they have a negative charge, thus enhancing the micronutrient transfer mechanism.

Since the negative charge of the root is greater than the positive charge of the humic acid, the micronutrients are drawn by the plant root, and easily get absorbed in its circulatory system. Some of the molecules of the humic acid are released when it enters the plant’s root membranes. But, the root also takes some of the lighter molecules of humic acids. These humic substances include calcium, iron, and magnesium.

So, now you understand how the humic acid works, and you are probably thinking of availing its several benefits, right? Before that, you need to consider the amount of humic acid to add to your soil. Start slowly, and then see how your soil reacts.

Let’s Wind Up

Finally, if you want to avail the perks of humic acid for cannabis or any other plantation, you’ve to research well to buy only high-quality, genuine organic humic acid. Before you decide on any humic acid manufacturer, check their market reputation, and customer feedback on those who have previously bought. All this will save your time and money by not purchasing a shoddy humic acid that does more harm than any good to your field.