U Mate International
General Information
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It is generally recognized that humic substances promote the conversion of a number of elements into forms available for up-take by plants. Indeed, some studies suggest that the amount of humic acid contained within the humus substance is directly related to plant development. In the production of fertile soil, organic substances play a direct part because they are the source of plant nutrients which are liberated in available forms during mineralization. Action of humic substances is important: Humic substances actively participate in decomposition of rocks and minerals.
While there are many credible reports and studies which support the positive aspects of humic materials, they operate more in the nature of soil additives rather than the replacement of the essential elements of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The use of humates progressively builds up humus content in soil. Generally, subsequent fertilization can be reduced when soil becomes ever more fertile and healthy soil conditions are created reducing reliance upon pesticides and insecticides. Humates are natural products and have no external chemical additives.
The positive impacts on seed germination, plant growth and development, increased mineral content of plants all have been demonstrated by credible studies. Stated in another way, humates and humic substances cannot be regarded as fertilizer substitutes but rather act as a soil supplement and additive where there exits the presence of adequate supplies of major nutrients of N, P, K, etc.
Humates contain most of the known trace elements necessary for development of plant life because in their much earlier state they were the plants themselves. Organic matter enhances root development, increases water retention power and promotes the chelation process whereby insoluble matter is gradually processed for plant utilization. Significantly, humates contain valuable plant nutritional substances not found in chemical fertilizers. Taken as whole, a consensus of scientific studies reveals that humates can be utilized as soil conditioners, and soil supplements under various conditions and climates. Humates can be processed into humic acid which then can be added to soil supplements or fertilizers.