Basic function of humic acid

Improve the soil structure for better aeration and water holding capacity

The amount of humic acid in a section of soil also greatly influences the overall fertility of that soil, because it directly affects the water-holding capacity of that soil. Consequently, edible plants grown in humic conditions are often more nutritious than ones that are not.

Humic acid has been used to promote the soil-less growth of seedlings. Cucumber and tomato seedlings have been found to be especially responsive to growth aquatic media that contain appreciable amounts of humic acid. Scientists have been studying the biochemical processes that may account for the substances ability to promote growth in plants that are not rooted in soil. These researchers believe that when a plant’s cells are nourished by a rich source of humic acid, then those cells begin to produce more plant growth hormones.

The presence of humic acid in soil or water also appears to increase the bioavailability of metal ions. This allow plants to more efficiently utilize the metals they absorb and better purge themselves of leftovers.