What does Humic Acid do for plants? Humic acid is one of the best soil amendments you can add to your garden. This rich soil amendment is a natural plant growth stimulator; and the benefits are numerous!
Humic acid is relatively cheap to buy. You can purchase it as a granular or in liquid form. Make sure to buy organic! Most hydro stores carry it in stock. So if you are looking to purchase locally, I would recommend starting your search there. Home Depot doesn’t usually carry it in store. However, it is available on their online store and can be shipped for free in most cases.
What is It?
Humic acid is derived from the ancient remains of decomposed organic plant and animal materials. Generally it is packed with Manganese, Iron, copper, zinc and other trace minerals.
What does Humic Acid do for plants?
- Increases the water infiltration
- Increases water holding capacity of soil and drought tolerance
- Enhances seed germination
- Increases plant root growth
- Helps plants deal with environmental stresses
- Natural plant growth stimulator
- Increases nutrient uptake and availability of nutrients
- Improved microbial growth
- Better overall soil structure
- One of the most bio chemically active materials found in soil
- Can help break up compacted soil
- They are complex molecules that exist naturally in soils
- Raise caton exchange capacity of soil
- Acts as a soil buffer
Benefit for Gardners
Humic acid is high in carbon. As a result, this provides food for microbes which thereby improves your soil ecology. Therefore the primary benefit for garners is its ability to chelate nutrients or (attract and hold onto positively charged ions). These positively charged ions are also drawn to the roots of your plants. The plant is able to absorb these micro nutrients and use them for reproduction and growth.
Other Nutrients for Plant Growth
In conclusion, humic acid is just one piece of the pie for a successful garden. Furthermore, check out this article if you are interested in learning more about other nutrients and amendments