As organic matter breaks down over time, it forms microbial-rich organic compounds known as humic and fulvic acids that are released back into the soil. The naturally occurring process not only enhances plant health, resilience, and overall yields, but humic and fulvic acids will also supercharge soil and have many benefits when used in the garden. In this article, we explain how using humic and fulvic acids can boost soil health, and nutrient absorption and help take your organic grow game to the next level.
What Are Humic and Fulvic Acids?
When organic material breaks down, it releases nutrients, trace elements, and minerals. Humic and fulvic acids are byproducts of this decomposition. Think of them as the helpful molecules that make nutrients more soluble and accessible to plants.
These acids speed up how quickly nutrients become available, leading to long-term improvements in plant and soil health. They also improve soil structure, which allows for better oxygen flow and water retention. How? You’ll have to read on to find out.
Benefits of Using Humic and Fulvic Acids
• Better Nutrient Uptake: These acids have chelating properties, which prevents nutrients from being “locked” in the soil, making them easier for plants to absorb.
• Enhanced Soil Structure: Humic acids improve soil structure by binding soil particles, which boosts aeration, water retention, and root access to oxygen. Fulvic acids, being lighter, can easily pass through plant membranes, helping carry nutrients directly into plant cells.
• Support for Soil Microbiology: Both humic and fulvic acids create a friendly environment for beneficial bacteria and fungi. They stimulate microbial activity by providing carbon, a primary energy source for soil microbes.
What is chelation and why chelates are important?
“OK, I get that chelates are important, but what are they?“ may you think.
Or maybe you’ve heard of them but don’t really know what they do… well, you’re about to discover some powerful partners.
Chelation is a process where certain molecules, called chelates, bind to metal ions and minerals in the soil, making them more soluble and easier for plants to absorb. Imagine trying to get that last can on the top shelf, but you need a stool to reach it—that’s what happens to plants when nutrients are locked up in the soil, and chelates act like that helpful stool, bringing nutrients within “reach”.
This is where humic and fulvic acids come into play. They bind to micronutrients that plants need in small amounts and prevent them from being ‘locked in’ by chelating them. So, by adding humic and fulvic acids to your garden, you’re essentially giving your plants access to those vital nutrients more efficiently, leading to stronger, healthier growth.
How do plants absorb humic and fulvic acids?
Plants growing in soil benefit from humic and fulvic acids through interactions in the soil food web. Beneficial microorganisms, such as probiotic bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, form symbiotic relationships with plant roots. In this process, the microbes supply nutrients to the roots in exchange for sugars produced by the plants, especially at nighttime.
Fulvic acids, due to their smaller size, can even enter plant roots, helping to transport nutrients internally. Meanwhile, humic acids, which have larger molecules, remain in the soil, improving nutrient availability and soil structure.
Humic and fulvic acids are commonly found as dark, concentrated liquid feeds suitable for use from the seedling stage to harvest and are also available in powder form.
When is the correct time to use them in my garden?
Ideally, starting with soil rich in humic and fulvic acids will set up plants for optimal growth from day one. Soil with a shiny, dark, and soft crumbly texture is usually a sign of microbial life and humic content. However, if your soil lacks this quality, you can enrich it by:
• Top dressing weekly with worm castings or high-quality compost.
• Some Atami products include humic and fulvic acids, so incorporating these products into your growing table will support your plants in benefiting from their benefits. Many of our stimulators include humic and fulvic acids to improve nutrient uptake, some examples are Root Stimulator, Bloom Stimulator or Blossom Builder.
• Spraying the soil daily with fish or algae emulsions or a diluted solution of water and molasses.
• Preparing aerated compost teas, which provide a highly soluble, humic- and fulvic-rich liquid tonic.
3 Top tips to consider when using humic and fulvic acids
Tip #1 – Root Zone Application for Optimal Absorption
Humic and fulvic acids work best when they reach the plant’s roots, so adding them directly to the root zone (through watering into the soil) will maximize their impact. Both acids enhance nutrient uptake, support root growth, and boost microbial activity.
• Why This Works:
Humic and fulvic acids improve nutrient solubility and help roots absorb essential minerals more efficiently. Adding them directly to the soil allows these acids to interact with root systems and improve long-term soil quality.
Tip #2 – Keep a population of helpful bacteria – Weekly soil enrichment
Healthy organic matter and compost provide the essential components for a thriving soil food web.
In soil, both good and bad bacteria compete for dominance, so providing a regular supply of humates (humic substances) in a well-aerated medium encourages the beneficial microbes to flourish. A great way to add humic and fulvic acids to your soil is through your weekly nutrition.
Use products rich in humates and other organic compounds that help build a balanced soil food web. This method allows humic and fulvic acids to gradually accumulate in the soil, strengthening root health and nutrient availability over time. With these inputs, you help the soil food web establish itself effectively and support long-term plant health.
• Why This Works:
Some products and healthy organic matter provide a gentle, steady source of humic and fulvic acids, helping beneficial microorganisms thrive. This process enriches the soil naturally, which supports healthier, more resilient plants.
Tip #3 – Pre-Treating Coco Coir and Other Inert Media
If you’re growing in soilless media like coco coir, pre-treating the medium with a humic and fulvic acid solution can provide your plants with essential building blocks they’d otherwise miss.
Mix a humic and fulvic acid rich product with water and apply it to the medium before planting. This pre-treatment helps the roots establish and absorb nutrients more effectively, setting a solid foundation for plant growth.
• Why This Works:
Soilless media lack the natural humates found in soil. Adding humic and fulvic acids creates a beneficial environment for root establishment and nutrient uptake, which can be particularly important in hydroponic and coco coir setups.
Atami’s conclusion
There are many benefits to growing your crops inside a humic and fulvic-rich growing medium. These benefits range from an increase in nutrients, water retention, improved soil structure, promote optimal food web development and efficacy, and allowing other nutrients to bind together for easier nutrient absorption and boosts overall soil health and longevity.
Maintaining a humate-rich growing medium is simple and easy to do using top dressing methods or with the right products. Check out our website for the best solutions to enrich and take your crop to the next level. Happy growing!
