Fertilizers are not the only things that plants need. For the highest yields, experts like GS Plant Foods say growers should consider applying organic soil enhancers like humic acid to improve soil structure and nutrient uptake – the key word being “organic.”
As consumer awareness of environmental degradation grows, large- and small-scale growers alike are beginning to move away from synthetic fertilizers, which can have marked impacts on the ecosystem. Organic products minimize chemical runoff and often have the added benefit of boosting soil biodiversity, providing gardeners and farmers with a more sustainable alternative.
However, fertilizers are not always sufficient for robust plant growth when soils become degraded. Experts at GS Plant Foods say that soil amendments are equally important, and many consumers are turning to natural and organic options like humic acid, corroborating Grand View Research’s predictions of robust growth in the organic fertilizers industry.
Humic acids are organic compounds that result from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. They are not typically used as fertilizers; instead, humic acids act as conditioners, promoting the formation of humus, which oxygenates the soil and improves water retention. Additionally, because humic acids don’t alter soil pH significantly, they can act as a buffer to maintain the ideal pH zone for crops; combined with their ability to chelate trace minerals like iron and zinc to make them available for plant uptake, the compounds are effective at remediating nutrient-depleted soils, especially when used in conjunction with fertilizers.
Leonardite is a primary source of humic acid, and it is known to be a powerful and sustainable biocatalyst in agriculture. Among organic soil amendments, Leonardite has a relatively high degree of oxidation, resulting in higher humic acid concentrations; it also is not consumed as quickly as organic products such as manure, and it will not spur nutritional competition for soil nutrients like partially decomposed compost will, making it more effective as a conditioner than other alternatives.
Agricultural practices and home gardeners alike often face challenges with soil degradation, which leads to poor plant growth. However, organic humic acid is becoming increasingly recognized as a solution. In fact, recent studies show that soil fertility is largely determined by humic acid content.
Beyond immediate improvements to nutrient uptake, sustained humic acid use delivers secondary benefits that mitigate risk and improve crop quality. Agronomic studies suggest that humic acid can increase proline content in plant leaves, a biochemical change associated with improved drought resistance. As soil structure improves and water retention increases, crops become more resilient during periods of variable rainfall - a growing concern for farmers amidst climate change. Additionally, higher humus content will darken the soil, allowing it to absorb more of the sun’s energy - this spurs micro-organism activity and further improves soil biology, creating a more favorable environment for plant growth.
These advantages accumulate with consistent use, making humic acid a tool for long-term soil health. Improved crop quality and yield stability follow naturally from healthier soil ecosystems, outcomes that reinforce the economic case for integrating organic amendments into standard farming practices.
Humic acid is available in both granular and liquid forms. Granular products behave similarly to slow-release fertilizers, breaking down slowly over time; this property makes them more suitable for long-term soil amendment.
Conversely, liquid humic acid will result in accelerated boosts to nutrient uptake, and because it is fast-acting, it can be used repeatedly throughout the growing season. Experts in the industry often recommend this option for younger plants due to quicker root-to-shoot absorption.
