Humic Acid – Their proper Use
Humic acids are complex organic molecules that are formed by the breakdown of organic matter. Humic acids are acid radicals found in humic matter which is nothing but completely decomposed organic matter. It is found in soil, coal and pits.
Humic acid consists of a mixture of complex macromolecules having polymeric phenolic structures with the ability to chalet with metals esp. iron. Humic acid is extracted from leonardite an oxidized form of lignite coal. Humicil retains nutrientions against leaching and make them readily available to the plant. Humicil can chelate certain metallic cations. This helps plants grow in alkaline soil to draw the micronutrients they need.
What are the beneficial effects of Humic acid on plants and on seed material?
BIOLOGICAL ACTION:
- Increases germination and viability of seed.
-Increases Vitamin content of plant.
-Increases permeability of plant membrane so as to optimize uptake of minerals.
-Increases availability of “Phosphorus”
-Increases permeability of plasma resulting in increased uptake of nutrients.
-A supplementary source of polyphenols which function as respiratory catalyst.
-Conversion on iron in to available from protecting plant from chlorosis.
- Stimulates plant growth by accelerating cell division.
- Increases the rate of development in root system and increasing the yield of dry matter.
- Stimulates root growth, especially lengthwise.
-Increases root respiration and formation.
-Stimulates plant enzymes.
-It helps in photosynthesis.
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE:
Better and early seed germination by
-Inducing enzyme production.
-Stimulating respiration in mitochondria.
-Increasing oxidative phosphorylation.
-Increasing seed membrane permeability
-Better root growth and vigor of seedling.
-Better absorption and utilization of nutrients.
-Benefit during water stress.
-Better and uniform crop stand.
-Increases sugar content. High degree of sweetness of fruits.
-Better development of mycelium in mushroom.
-Early maturity.
-Better keeping quality of fruits.
-Longer shelf life of fruits and veg.
-Uniform lush green grass (lawn).
-Increases transport-worthiness of the product.
CHEMICAL BENEFITS :
- Retains water soluble inorganic fertilizers in the root zones and releases them to plants when required.
-Promotes the conversion of number of elements into forms available to plants.
-Possesses extremely high ion-exchange capacity.
-Increases buffering properties of soil.
-Rich in organic and mineral substances essential to plant growth.
-Increases percentage of total nitrogen in the soil.
-Increases root and top growth on a fresh and dry weight basis.
-Enhances plant root uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, Iron, Magnesium,
Copper, Zinc and Calcium from the soil.
-Enhances plant foliar nutrient absorption and translocation
-Influences enzyme systems
-Results in higher yields of better quality of crop produce.
-Accelerates germination rates and enhances seedling emergence and uniformity
Recommendations:
Cotton, Rice, Pea, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Chilies, Okra, Brinjal, Tomato, betelvine,Grapes, Banana, Vegetables, Golf Course, Lawn, Ornamentals, Flowers etc..
HUMIC ACIDS CAN BE APPLIED AS:
1. Seed Treatment
2. Root Dip.
3. Seedling Dip.
4. Foliar Spray.
5. Soil Application.
6. Through Drip Irrigation.
7. Application in Mushroom Bags.
8. Tank mix with Herbicides.
9. Tank mix with Insecticides.
10. Along with inorganic fertilizers.
Dose:
For foliar spray 200 to 250 ml /acre
For seed treatment 5 to 25 ml / kg
(Compiled and written by Harsh saxena)
