Humic Acid is a principal component of humic substances, which are the major organic constituents of soil (humus), peat, coal, many upland streams, dystrophic lakes, and ocean water. It is produced by biodegradation of dead organic matter. It is not a single acid; rather, it is a complex mixture of many different acids containing carboxyl and phenolate groups. So that the mixture behaves functionally as a dibasic acid or, occasionally, as a tribasic acid. Humic acids can form complexes with ions that are commonly found in the environment. Humic and fulvic acids are commonly used as a soil supplement in agriculture, and less commonly as a human nutritional supplement. As a supplement, fulvic acid is found in a liquid form with colloidal minerals.
Action of humic substances on plant growth:
Physical:
Increases water holding capacity
Increases aeration of soils
Improves soil workability
Helps resist drought
Improves seed bed
Makes soil more friable or crumbly
Reduces soil erosion.
Chemical:
Chelates nutrients for uptake by plants
Possesses high ion-exchange capacity
Increases buffering properties of soils
Increases percentage of total nitrogen in soils
Biological:
Accelerates plant cell division and promotes growth
Increases germination of seeds and viability
Increases root respiration and formation
Stimulates growth & proliferation of soil microorganisms