Using humic acid and fulvic acid for plants

Healthy plants need not only light, water, and nutrients, but also well-structured and vibrant soil. Humic substances play a crucial role in this, as they promote soil life and improve nutrient availability. But what exactly are humic acids and fulvic acids, and how can you use them specifically for your plants?

What are humic substances?

Humic substances are natural organic compounds that form through the slow decomposition of plant and animal remains in the soil. This process is called humification and leads to the formation of humus, a particularly fertile component of the soil. They improve soil structure and promote microbial life, helping plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.

The three main groups:

Humic acids are insoluble in water and remain firmly bound in the soil. They contribute to soil stability and long-term fertility.
Humic acids are soluble in alkaline solutions or acids, but not in pure water. Alkaline solutions are liquids with a high pH value. They occur naturally, for example, in calcareous soils or saline waters.
Fulvic acids are soluble in both water and alkaline solutions. This means they can dissolve directly in irrigation or rainwater, making them particularly readily available to plants.

What effect do they have?

Fulvic acids are more mobile and can be absorbed more quickly by plants. Humic acids, on the other hand, have a stronger effect in the soil, where they bind nutrients and, in the long term, structure of the soil. Since both are soluble, they are particularly suitable as soil improvers and biostimulants.

Using humic acid and fulvic acid for plants

Humic acid explained

Humic acids are high-molecular-weight organic compounds characterized by their positive influence on soil and plant growth. They improve soil structure and water retention capacity and promote nutrient availability. Humic acids can help sustainably improve soil quality, particularly in sandy and heavily stressed soils.

Thanks to their high cation exchange capacity, they can bind nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and trace elements and slowly release them to the plant. They also stimulate soil microbial life, thus promoting healthy root development.

Fulvic acid or fulvic acid?

The term fulvic acid is sometimes used as a synonym for fulvic acid, but chemically speaking, there is no such thing. The correct name is fulvic acid. It is the smaller, water-soluble fraction of humic substances and possesses particularly high biological activity. They can be directly absorbed by plants and act as natural chelators, binding trace elements and making them more readily available.

Positive effects for the soil

Humic substances improve soil in a variety of ways. Organic matter in the soil not only benefits garden plants, but also your houseplants, providing them with better nutrient supply and healthy growing conditions.

Soil structure: increase water holding capacity and permeability

Nutrient availability: improving the exchange capacity of cations

Microbial life: promoting beneficial microorganisms

Root growth: Promotes root development and nutrient uptake

pH buffering: stabilization of the soil and reduction of toxicity from heavy metals

Application for plants

Humic substances can be used in various ways:

Mix humus, for example in the form of compost, into the potting soil.
Simply use humic acids as a liquid additive for your houseplants.
Fulvic acids can be applied as a foliar spray. They have a hormone-like effect and stimulate plant enzymes, thereby stimulating growth and strengthening the plant against stress.

Order humic acid fertilizer

Our FARBIO® soil improver is a natural and effective additive for your soil. Its special formula with humic acids optimizes the soil, improves nutrient uptake, and promotes healthy plant growth and roots.

Caring for plants indoors and outdoors: