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What are humates? What are they all about? Consultant agronomist, David H. Bates, tries to clarify what they are and what they bring to the turf manager


HUMATES T


echnically speaking, humates are the salts of humic acids. These are found in humus which is formed by the decomposition of vegetable and animal matter. These are the simple facts of life. Without humus and humic acids no plants can grow or survive. For years we have understood that humus is important, often set in examination papers. Humus is identified as contributing to healthy, strong and soil beneficial properties. Today, research and development (R&D) has examined the properties of humus more closely and serious beneficial conclusions have been brought to our attention. The acids humic, ulmic and fulvic are essential to plants in three basic ways:


1.Humic acids enable plants to extract the nutrients from the soil (both natural and applied, i.e. fertiliser inputs, etc.).


2.Ulmic acids stimulate and drastically increase root growth.


3.Fulvic acids help plants overcome stress.


Due to its composition and the presence of the humic acids, humates help to significantly aerate the soil while aiding moisture retention. Nutrient management is naturally a key benefit from this unique, totally organic, natural earth. Humates are developed from prehistoric deposits found in many regions throughout the world, but predominantly in the United States of America. The composition of plants that lived over 70 million years ago pass on their vitality of life to future generations through these ancient compost heaps. Microorganisms obtain their energy and nutrients directly from the soil. Through decomposition processes the microorganisms break down these substances to a very concentrated form of humic acids and minerals as well as gases, water and toxins. As any vegetable or animal matter decomposes it creates humus. Over time, these natural compost piles first become peat then humate, then leonadite, lignite and, eventually, coal. People often confuse organic fertilisers such as


manure or sludge with humates. They assume one fertiliser works as well as another but, unlike sewage sludge, manure and other waste products


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