What is Potassium Humate: Composition and Application of the Fertilizer

Humus is the result of the decomposition of organic matter. Bacteria then act on it to form humates. Soil fertility depends on the amount of humates. Landowners use potassium humate only as a fertilizer, unaware of its nature. The product has many beneficial properties. It improves plant growth and increases yields when used according to the instructions.

What is potassium humate?

Potassium humate is a mixture of humic acids involved in all biochemical processes in the soil. Humus is present in all types of soil, but in varying quantities. It is found in the highest concentrations in black soil. The fertile soil layer is formed by the decomposition of organic matter: plant residues, manure, peat, or coal. The concentration of humates determines the degree of soil fertility.

In addition to humic substances, potassium humate contains the following beneficial components:

• amino acids;
• macro- and microelements;
• peptides;
• enzymes;
• growth stimulants;
• natural antibiotics.

Humates are classified as bioactivating fertilizers. They come in both ballast and non-ballast varieties. The former is used to stimulate growth and strengthen garden or vegetable crops, while the latter is used as a top dressing. Ballast humates contain mechanical impurities from the original substrate. They perform best in depleted soils. Potassium humate is obtained from peat or manure, while its sodium counterpart is obtained from brown coal. There is virtually no difference in the activity of the humic substances in these two products.

Beneficial properties of humic fertilizers

Humates have numerous beneficial properties. They have a positive effect on plants, as follows:

• increases seed germination;
• the growth of vegetative mass and roots is accelerated;
• improves resistance to drought and frost;
• increases resistance to infections and pests;
• micro- and macroelements contained in the soil penetrate better into plant tissues;
• the need of fruit and vegetable crops for nitrates decreases;
• crop yields increase;
• the taste and appearance of fruits improves;
• the harvest ripens earlier and is stored longer.

Under the influence of humates, small soil particles are transformed into larger ones. The soil's air permeability and water retention are improved. Due to its looseness, roots absorb more oxygen. The use of humic preparations can reduce the consumption of nitrogen fertilizers by up to 50%. Humates have the following effects on the soil:

• improve the microbiological composition;
• restore nutritional properties;
• reduce acidity;
• reduce the content of heavy metal salts and other hazardous substances in the soil.

Advantages of humates

Potassium humate is an environmentally friendly fertilizer that contains no harmful impurities. It does not accumulate in the soil or plant tissue. Even exceeding the dosage will not cause fruit poisoning. Furthermore, the product is economical to use: 1 gram of powder replaces 1 ton of organic additives. Containers containing humate fertilizer take up little space and are easy to store. Ideal storage conditions are a cool, dark place.

Potassium humate has the following advantages:

1. The product contains 58% nitrogen, which is significantly lower in other fertilizers. For example, urea contains 46.3%, while saltpeter contains only 35%.
2. Humates increase the amount of gluten and protein in grain, and therefore its grade.
3. Humic preparations contain many useful substances: potassium, phosphorus, boron, cobalt, zinc, magnesium, sucrose, and molybdenum. They can replace NPK fertilizers.
4. Potassium humate is cheaper in price compared to mineral complexes, although it is not inferior to them in terms of effectiveness.
5. The product contains potassium, an essential plant nutrient. If sodium humate is used as a fertilizer, potassium supplements should also be added.
6. Humic acids neutralize the toxic effects of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Heavy metal salts are converted into compounds that are inaccessible to plants.
7. Humates are a good alternative to potassium sulfate, which is necessary for the normal development of plants.

Application of humates

Humates are a group of elements that stimulate plant growth. They have a positive effect on flowers, garden trees, grains, vegetables, and fruit and berry crops. The product is used for the following purposes:

• pre-planting treatment of seeds and tubers;
• soaking the roots of seedlings or saplings before planting;
• watering seedlings for better adaptation to new conditions;
• plant feeding;
• soil restoration;
• preparing plants for winter;
• processing of organic matter: manure, humus or compost.

The maximum effect is achieved when using humates on loam, sand, calcareous, or protected soils. It is recommended to treat annual plants at the beginning of the growing season, when inflorescences are forming. If potassium humate is applied to transplanted plants, damaged roots will recover more quickly. The fertilizer is applied to pre-moistened soil.

Release form and cost of humic preparations

For ease of use, manufacturers produce potassium humate in a variety of forms:

1. The tablets weigh 14 grams. They are used for root feeding or foliar spraying. The tablets can be easily prepared into a solution of the desired concentration.
2. Powder or granules. The product dissolves easily in water. The prepared solution can be used for 7 days. It is also suitable for incorporation into the soil when dry.
3. Paste and gel. This preparation is characterized by rapid action due to the high molecular activity.
4. Liquid concentrate. The product is convenient for large-scale use. Its base is peatFertilizer is used to water the area or irrigate large areas of plantings.
5. Humate-based mixtures are preparations supplemented with enzymes, amino acids, peptides and growth catalysts.

Humate fertilizers are available in pure form or with various beneficial additives at gardening stores. Souffleur is a concentrate based on sapropelIt contains the ideal proportions of mineral and organic elements. The product is recommended for pre-planting preparation and fertilizing. It is sold in sealed containers of 250 or 500 ml.

Gardeners often use the fertilizer Humate+7 Iodine. It is available in powder form. This complex fertilizer contains the following microelements: manganese, cobalt, boron, iodine, zinc, molybdenum, and iron. This fertilizer has proven effective for grapes, garden strawberries, and wild strawberries. Its use increases yields by increasing the number and weight of fruits.

The price of potassium humate depends on the form, packaging, and region of sale. One tablet costs an average of 35 rubles. A canister containing 10 liters of liquid humate costs between 65 and 170 rubles per liter. Experienced gardeners prefer to prepare their own humic solution. Dry powder in bags can be purchased for 25-30 rubles per kg. The savings are obvious.

How to properly feed plants with potassium humate

Potassium humate is diluted according to the intended purpose and method of application. For foliar feeding, prepare a less concentrated solution: 3 g of dry fertilizer per 10 liters of water is sufficient. For root watering, dilute the liquid solution at a rate of 1 tablespoon per bucket of water. If you need to treat a large area, you can use a humate tablet, which is suitable for 50 liters of water. The instructions for each plant species specify a concentration, which should not be exceeded. Doing so may damage the plants.

Powdered potassium humate is the most economical product. A working solution is prepared from it as follows:

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of dry substance in 10 liters of water.
2. The mixture is left for 24 hours to allow the granules to completely dissolve.
3. The liquid is carefully removed from the sediment. It can be filtered through cheesecloth.
4. To obtain a working solution, 500 ml of the finished concentrate is mixed with 10 liters of water.

Pre-landing preparation

Grain is treated with potassium humate before planting. For 1 ton of seed, use a solution prepared from 100 g of the product and a bucket of water. Before planting, it is advisable to soak tubers, bulbs, vegetable seeds, and cuttings in the humate solution. To prepare the nutrient, you will need 50 ml of liquid peat potassium humate per 1 liter of water. The tableted product is dissolved in a 1:3 ratio. Each crop is soaked in the solution for a specified period of time:

• cuttings - 24 hours;
• bulbs – 8-9 hours;
• cabbage or tomato seeds – 2 days;
• potatoes – 12 hours;
• seed material of other vegetables - 24 hours.

Fertilizer for vegetables and greens

It is recommended to water cucumbers, root vegetables, zucchini, cabbage, and nightshade crops with a humate solution at the roots. It is prepared at a ratio of 100 ml of concentrate per bucket of water. Pour 1.5-2 liters of the diluted fertilizer under each plant. Fertilize 4-5 times per season at intervals of at least 2 weeks. Spray with the same solution. The application rate is 1-3 liters per 100 m.².

Greens are fed with humates 4-6 times during the growing season. The working solution is prepared at a ratio of 100 ml of the preparation per 10 liters of water. The beds are watered at a rate of 5-6 liters per 1 m.²During active growth, superphosphate, potassium salt, or Agricola Vegeta are added to the plantings. The last feeding is no later than two weeks before harvest. This type of watering results in strong immunity and rich flavor in the greens.

Fertilizing fruit and berry plants

Apply a solution of potassium humate to bushes or tree crowns. It's best to use the fertilizer in combination with herbicides or pesticides. Fruit and berry seedlings are fertilized with a solution prepared at a ratio of 100 ml of liquid potassium humate per 10 liters of water. This volume is sufficient for a planting area of ​​1 m2.²Treatment is carried out during the following periods:

• before flowering;
• during ovary formation;
• at the stage of fruit ripening.

For feeding 5 m² For strawberry beds, prepare a solution of 10 ml of humic concentrate per bucket of water. The fertilizer is applied several times during the season:

1. The soil is watered with a solution of potassium humate before planting.
2. Established bushes are fed to improve growth and yield.
3. In autumn, strawberries are watered with humic potassium fertilizer to help them survive the winter hardships.

Fertilizing garden and indoor plants

Flowers growing outdoors are fertilized in early spring. Perennials are treated with a humate solution at the beginning of the growing season, while annuals are treated once all the seeds have sprouted. Fertilizing is then repeated 3-6 times at 14-20 day intervals. The humate fertilizer is prepared at a rate of 100 ml per bucket of water. The recommended application rate for irrigation is 10 liters per 1 m.², and for irrigation - 3 liters per 100 m².

Humic fertilizers are essential for indoor plants, as humus formation is impossible in pots. During the warmer months, this fertilizer is applied 3-5 times, and in winter, once every 30 days. Humate fertilizer is prepared by mixing 100 ml of concentrate with 10 liters of water. To promote abundant flowering, indoor plants are sprayed with a humic solution at a concentration of 75 ml per liter of water. This treatment is carried out twice a month in the spring.

Soil rehabilitation

To improve soil fertility and remove pesticides, humates are applied in powder form during tillage. The frequency of application depends on the soil type and condition. Typically, 2-3 applications per 1 m are sufficient.² Add 100 g of powder. Potassium humate can be mixed with a small amount of sand and spread over the area in early spring. The dry fertilizer will be absorbed into the soil by meltwater.

To improve the composition and structure of the soil, it is treated with a 0.1% humate solution. The concentrated solution is prepared by mixing 1 liter of humic solution with 10 liters of water. To improve the soil, dig a trench around the trees, a shovel-width deep, 1-1.5 meters from the trunk. Pour a potassium humate solution into the trench, prepared at a ratio of 0.5-1 liter per bucket of water. The trench is then filled with soil.

Potassium humate can be mixed with manure, compost, or humus at a ratio of 10 g of dry matter per 10 kg of organic matter. The processed fertilizer matures faster and can be applied to the soil after just three months.

How to increase the efficiency of humate

Humates are used not only as fertilizers but also as complex agricultural products. The microelements and phytohormones contained in humic preparations enhance the effectiveness of other fertilizers. For plants to grow well and bear fruit, they must be protected from adverse conditions that cause stress. For example, after pesticide treatment, vegetable crops stunt growth and produce poor yields.

Normat L is an adaptogenic supplement. It is based on fulvic and humic acids. Normat L also contains mineral supplements and phytohormones. This "cocktail" stimulates plant growth, boosts immunity, and promotes the removal of harmful substances from tissues. The action of humic acids is enhanced, and plants recover more quickly from stress. Plants then thrive thanks to their own phytohormones. The substances obtained from Normat L help maintain vigorous growth.

Precautions when working with humates

To avoid harming plants, consider the compatibility of humates with other fertilizers. Using a humic preparation in combination with organic matter significantly increases its effectiveness. Potassium humate is recommended for use with urea and ammonium nitrate. However, they should be used with caution, as excess nitrogen spoils the flavor of berries and fruits.

When using humic fertilizers, you should follow these recommendations:

1. Avoid fertilizing soil with humates and phosphorus-containing fertilizers simultaneously. Their combination leads to the formation of insoluble compounds that are harmful to plants.
2. Concurrent use of humates and potassium sulfate is harmful to crops. An interval of at least 5 days is necessary.
3. For annual crops, it is advisable to apply potassium humate before budding begins.

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Potassium humate is a multifunctional natural fertilizer. Its use solves a variety of agricultural problems, including improving soil composition and increasing crop yields. Humic complexes are used not only in home gardens but also on large farms. Their main advantages are affordability, environmental friendliness, and a variety of beneficial properties.