Benefits of Humates
Biological Benefits
Stimulates plant enzymes
Acts as an organic catalyst
Stimulates growth and proliferation of desirable soil microorganisms (algae, bacteria, fungi, etc)
Increases root respiration and formation
Increases the availability of micronutrients
Increases the permeability of plant membranes, which increases the uptake of nutrients
Increases the vitamin content of plants
Increases the viability and germination of seed
Accelerates cell division and root development
Contains a wealth of micro-elements such as Si, Fe, Mg, S, Ba, B, Mn, Co, Ni, Ti, Mo, Cu, Pb, Ag and more
Increases photosynthesis in plants
Contains soluble silicon
Silicon strengthens cell walls
Silicon helps block disease invasion at the cell level
Silicon helps plants maintain more uniform cell temperature, which increases drought and frost tolerance
Chemical Benefits
Increases buffering properties of soil
Rich in both organic and mineral substances essential to plant growth
Retains water soluble fertilizers in the root zones and releases them to plants when needed
Has an extremely high CEC (cation exchange capacity)
Promotes the conversion of insoluble nutrients into forms available to plants
Reduces or eliminates many soil-related phenomenon, such as dry spots on golf greens
Physical Benefits
Makes soil more friable and crumbly
Improves soil workability
Increases aeration of soil
Reduces thatch build-up in turfgrasses
Increases water holding capacity
Improves thermal coloring of soil
Literature Cited
Levinski, Boris, 1999. Everything About Humates. Irkutsk University, Siberia, 1-23, January.
Senn, T.L. and Kingman, A.R., 1973. A Review of Humus and Humic Acids. Clemson University, Dept. of Horticulture, Research Series No. 145, March.
Freeman, P.G., 1969. The Use of Lignite Products as Plant Growth Stimulants. Technology and Use of Lignite, IC Bureau of Mines Information Circular, 8471: 150-153; 160; 162; 164.
Burdick, E.M., 1965 Commercial Humates for Agriculture and the Fertilizer Industry.
Economic Botany. Vol. 19, No. 2: 152-156.