Commercial operations like microgreens, perishable herbs, and other specialty crops, where profit margins are narrow or susceptible to other industry factors, fulvic acid can balance the cost of operations with exceptional results. A concentrated formula extends the reach of your nutrients by making them more bioavailable, and over time, growers will notice fewer nutrients are needed with the addition of fulvic acid reducing grower input costs.
A published study on MDPI in 2020 demonstrates that the application of fulvic acid had a positive effect on the physical and chemical properties and plant growth. The article, Short-Term Effects of Mineral- and Plant-Derived Fulvic Acids on Some Selected Soil Properties: Improvement in the Growth, Yield, and Mineral Nutritional Status of Wheat under Soils of Contrasting Textures, states, “Fulvic acids (FAs) improve the structure and fertility of soils with varying textures and also play a crucial role in increasing crop production.”
Eco Farming Daily published an article by Michael Martin Meléndez, Humic Acid: The Science of Humas and How it Benefits Soil, which he states: “Humic acid is a group of molecules that bind to, and help plant roots receive, water and nutrients. High humic acid levels can dramatically increase yields. Humic acid deficiency can prevent farmers and gardeners from growing crops with optimum nutrition. Conventional wisdom today ignores humic acids, though, holding that it is impossible to grow and maintain an urban landscape such as a park, golf course, or lawn without high-analysis NPK fertilizers.
Some of the most common substances we collectively refer to as “humus” include:
Humin: a black humic substance that is not soluble in water at any pH, has a high molecular weight, and is never found in base-extracted liquid humic acid products.”
Humic acid: a dark-brown humic substance that is soluble in water only at higher soil pH values and is of greater molecular weight than fulvic acid. Humic acid may remain for centuries in undisturbed soil.
Fulvic acid: a yellow to yellow-brown humic substance that is soluble in water under all pH conditions and is of low molecular weight.
The use of soilborne compounds to protect seeds and enhance seedling growth is being investigated globally by Iowa State University.
“Humic and fulvic acids are commonly used in organic crop production, greenhouse cropping of vegetables, and in horticultural programs. They also may have uses in Iowa’s large-scale production systems to improve seedling health and plant response to stress.” Shown to stimulate plant growth in terms of increasing plant height and dry or fresh weight as well as enhancing nutrient uptake.
Research is being conducted at Iowa State University to evaluate if humic and fulvic acid-based compounds influence soybean yield and quality. Because these compounds are believed to enhance root development, their influence on soybean grown in the presence of the soybean cyst nematode is also being investigated.
The research concludes, “Understanding humic substances and the way they influence plant growth and development, and nutrient uptake is crucial to developing sustainable cropping systems that improve overall soil quality. Although humic substances are currently widely used in organic production systems, they may have uses in Iowa’s large- scale production systems to improve seedling health. Stimulation of root growth may improve plant resistance to disease, and plant response to feeding by herbivores and nematodes, and water stress caused by drought.”
As a stand-alone product, AGT-50 by AgTonik offers more benefits than other humic products. Yes, humic acid products contain fulvic acid to a small degree however, AGT-50 is fulvic dominant and includes additional organic acids that co-reside in the pure water extracted material – which are carefully preserved – and provide tremendous benefits for plants. You save money because your nutrient formula becomes more bioavailable. We also don't ship a lot of water; we concentrate our formulas, so you have fewer plastic containers to deal with and aren't paying for a watered-down product. Penny-wise and earth-wise.
To assist with achieving optimal performance, we recommend considering the outstanding results of the above scientific findings. Science has proven again and again that a well-rounded health and growth program can no doubt help reach your desired outputs.
For more information on AgTonik information for livestock, soil, cannabis, specialty produce, and more, contact us today.