1. What is the difference between humic acid and fulvic acid?
Fulvic acid is the lowest molecular weight portion of humic
substances. By definition it will be golden in color where humic acid
will be brown to black. Because of its small molecular size, fulvic
acid is able to penetrate the leaf and even the mitochondria of a cell
which makes it great for foliar sprays and root drenches. By
comparison humic acid is a fantastic soil conditioner and better for
dry broad cast and soil/soil-less application. Typically each
manufacturer will provide a product analysis differentiating the fulvic
from the humic; however some states do not accept fulvic acid analysis
and will refer to all substances as humic acids. To further confuse
things, a standardized industry method for analyzing humic substances
does not exist. This creates a wide range of concentrations and
analysis for humic products. At the end of the day it is best to
conduct bioassays and test the products yourself to see which one will
perform best. For more information on humic substances properties visit
Properties of Humic Substances.
2. Why such dramatic price and application differences?
Is it raw, is it soluble, partially both? Is it concentrated or watered down, are the application rates because of what works or because of limitations due to the other chemicals involved, how many chemical processes have been applied to it? These are just a few differentiations not typically included on the label. As example, many popular soil brands use the term "humic acids" as a draw or value added item. However, they often contain raw ore and very little at that. Raw ore is not soluble, it takes years to break down, and it requires hundreds of pounds of material per acre (200-500) compared to a couple of pounds (5-10) of our soluble. Not to suggest that there isn't a time or place for raw, but the simple truth is it won't work on today's crop or container gardens. Paying more for something that adds no value makes little sense to anyone. If you remember one thing from all this it's that labeling does not account for the large amount of product variation. You're going to have to do some homework.
3. Why are there so many variances in product analysis and concentration claims?
Currently there is no industry standard for procedural analysis of
humic and fulvic acids. Therefore suppliers use different test methods,
which ultimately yield different results. Many tests lack
thorough quantitative
analysis, so often suppliers play the test game to see which one will
yield the highest results so they can play the concentration game. The same substance sent to
different labs will come back with a variety of numbers, depending on
the labs methods. As an example, by the Verplogh and Brandvold method Ful-Power fulvic measures 8%. By the Classical Method the same fulvic measures .015%. It's noteworthy
that when measuring for fulvic acid many tests
include the weight of the chemical salts, leftover from the extraction
method. As we do not use any chemicals to extract our fulvic the
analysis we receive is actual. Additionally we are proud members of
the International Humic Substance Society (IHSS) and support their
recommended method, the Classical Method. The IHSS wishes to standardize industry procedures
with a thorough analytical method, so as to alleviate consumer
confusion and create an even playing field. However, thorough testing
often results in lower numbers as salts and other substances are
accounted for. With standardization many companies would loose their
place in the market as numbers would reveal the truth of concentration.
For many companies confusion has helped them maintain business. Please beware of anyone
claiming unreasonable concentrations of liquid fulvic acid. While near
impossible a LIQUID 90% fulvic acid will be thicker than cold molasses and you
would only need a pin head as a dose. Often this percentage is in reference to the parent material, or raw ore and does not describe the product itself. The highest known liquid extractions are around 15% but are so chemically adulterated at this saturation that it's suspect to if they even work. Check out this article by Ryan Zadow on analysis and testing: The Real Dirt On Humic Substances.
4. Why do you not sell Ag grade Fulvic Acid in some states?
Because of the lack of industry standardized quantitative analysis, different states have
different registration requirements. As example, neither Oregon nor California
recognize fulvic acid as its own substance and instead refer to all of
these substances under the humic acid umbrella.
5. Why are humic substances sometimes called Leonardite?
True Leonardite comes from the hills of the Dakotas and was discovered
by Dr. Leonard. Over time the name became confused with all humic
substances, and lack of standardization has continued the
misnomer. The humic substances found in this area are low in
fulvic acid (the lowest molecular weight) but high in humic acid
content. The low fulvic portion is because of the geological uplift and
cracking which allowed the material to become weathered, literally
rinsing out the fulvic portion. (akin to leaving your compost in the
rain for thousands of years). Additionally, the source material for
this humic substance was formed in the presence of salt water marshes.
While it will provide benefits to the soil, we prefer a source that is
high in humic and fulvic acid. This means the source has not been
leached or weathered and was made in the presence of fresh water where
cycads and other leafy greens were growing. We have searched the world
over, tested substances from many continents and found that one of the
highest sources is in the American Southwest. However, even in New
Mexico there are variances in the quality of humic substances. Our
source is a younger source, formed in fresh water, and protected by a
thick layer of sandstone for millions of years. It comes from the basin where it was protected and not the rim where it is cracked open.
6. Why are adding humic acids so important...aren't they in the soil already?
Humic acids used to be abundant in our soil and water systems.
However, modern agricultural methods have depleted the soil and our
city water systems filter humic substances out. Even in organic
agriculture it's important to add humic substances as stimulants for microbes and food for worms, whether that's in the form of tons of compost or
pounds of humic acids. Additionally, while humic acid will remain
stable in the soil, fulvic acid is used up rather quickly. In conventional farming humic acids are an important FIRST STEP when trying to transition towards more sustainable methods. In sustainable and organic farming the addition of humic acids play an important role in the holistic system and promote soil and plant health naturally.
7. In what systems and ways are humic substances used?
BioAg's humic and fulvic acid products can be used in almost any
system. They are used for organic, biodynamic, sustainable and
conventional farming as well as bioremediation, compost teas and as an
additive to premium crop products. Different products have different
strengths, but generally they can be used in soil, hydroponics,
aeroponic, dry broadcast, irrigation, landscaping, turf and golf care,
home gardens, clones and cuttings etc... If you have a question about
your specific system, please do not hesitate to ask us. Just contact
us by clicking on the picture below.
8. How much should I use and when should I use it?
Humic substances are naturally derived. They are often used in
agriculture to help achieve sustainability and in bioremediation to
help reclaim polluted soil and water. As such, concentrations will
vary depending on the needs of the crop or soil, the micro-climate, the
soil type and desired results. However, general application rates can
be found on our technical data sheets, located under each product or in
the members only section. It is best not to exceed these rates,
especially without running some tests. Humic substances are best
applied in smaller amounts over the life of the crop rather than a
large amount all at once. However, for some applications this is just
not practical. If you are a farmer, turf manager, orchard manager,
greenhouse grower, product developer or otherwise and want
recommendations on using our products with your system please contact us.
9. Do you make a liquid humic acid product?
In general we only make a fulvic liquid (not available in OR or CA).
Our humic products are made using a dry to dry conversion, which means
they are not over-heated and denatured. They are shipped dry for easy
long-term storage (as liquids can degrade in your shed over-time) and
for lower shipping costs. Our products are HIGHLY concentrated and
very soluble. However, 10% of the product is insoluble and will need
to be settled out before being sprayed through small jet nozzles. The
remaining 10% will degrade over time and can be added to the soil or
garden. In general 1 pound of HumiSolve is equal to one-two gallons of
competitors liquid products.
10. What particle size and quantities do you offer?
Our powder humic acid products come in fine, small and granular sizes
for easy application in multiple systems. Our mission is to provide
products that are sustainable and readily available for today's crops.
Our manufacturing method does not use heat, helping to maintain the
integrity of the dry product. However, please note that 10% of the
product is insoluble and should be settled out before being used in
large spray applications. Our fulvic product works seamlessly with
all systems and does not need to be filtered. Our products come in all
sizes, from 100 gram packs to multiple tons. For large orders please
contact us.
11. Where can I buy your products near me?
BioAg humic products for agriculture and remediation are sold in farm, greenhouse and indoor/outdoor garden stores nationwide. We are not
able to advertise all places our products are sold, but we do advertise
new dealers under our Dealers Section, so check back frequently.
If there is a store near you where you'd like to see our products, let
us know and we'll contact them. However, the best way to order is
directly through our website. If you are interested in bulk quantities
please contact us directly.
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