How Is Your Fulvic Tested? Why It Matters More Than You Think

Not all fulvic acids are created equal, and how they’re tested can make all the difference in what they actually deliver to your crops.

At AgTonik, we know growers like you constantly balance performance, sustainability, and ROI. That’s why we go beyond outdated industry norms and use LAMAR and ISO testing—two modern, research-backed methods that provide an honest, accurate measure of bioactive fulvic content. It’s not the flashiest number on the label, but it’s the one that tells the truth.

What Are LAMAR and ISO Testing Methods?

LAMAR and ISO are scientifically accepted, harmonized approaches used by leading labs worldwide. They are:

• Approved by both HPTA and IHSS, the leading international humic substance associations

• Similar in process, differing only slightly in incubation time and temperature

• Designed for precision, not inflated numbers

Because LAMAR and ISO testing focus specifically on water-soluble, bioavailable fulvic acids, the results often appear lower than older methods, but are far more meaningful. These tests remove inactive ash and humin content, measuring only the fulvic that drives nutrient uptake, root vigor, and microbial activity.

Why We Don’t Use V&B Testing (And Why That Matters)

Most fertilizer labels still rely on the V&B method (Verploegh & Brandvold) or the CFDA method, the only full-service testing method recognized by the state of California, which is why it’s common in fertilizer packaging. But that doesn’t make it accurate.

Here’s why:

• V&B measures ash, artificially inflating “fulvic” levels

• It cannot distinguish between active and inactive materials

• It’s easily skewed—even a piece of charcoal can test high, despite offering no plant benefit

So while a V&B-tested product may look great on paper, it may do very little in your crop system. We think you deserve better than smoke and mirrors.

Transparency That Matches Your Standards

You already track root health, run trials, and optimize every input. Shouldn’t your biostimulants be held to the same standards?

AgTonik uses LAMAR and ISO testing to ensure you know exactly what you’re applying. Our fulvic products are consistently clean, compliant, and performance-proven, helping you maximize root development, nutrient uptake, and soil biology across any growing system.

Let’s dig deeper. Curious how your current fulvic product would test under LAMAR or ISO methods? Ready to compare? Let’s talk about results side-by-side and how fulvic should be measured. Contact us today to request a trial sample.