Fulvic and humic acids are complex molecules which result from the decomposition of organic matter. Healthy soil naturally contains these acids. In contrast, unhealthy and heavily disturbed soils, in which this natural cycle has been disturbed, are depleted of these substances which are vital to the organic processes which result in plant health and vitality. Because most soil is not in an ideal condition, adding humic and fulvic acid directly to soil often results in drastic improvements and helps return it to its pristine natural state.

Benefits

Extraction Methods

A common method of obtaining humic and fulvic acid is from humic shale. Deposits of humic shale can be found around the world in drastically varying qualities, when viewed in the scope of human consumption or agricultural use. In addition many different extraction methods are used, which also result in drastically different products.

Fulvic acid is a powerful solvent that, when extracted correctly without the use of chemical buffering agents or preservatives, is at a naturally low PH. Using plastic, even plastic that is certified for use with highly corrosive acids, is dangerous, when utilized for human consumption, because the fulvic acid is more than capable of breaking that plastic down and becoming contaminated with byproducts of these petroleum based substances.

Chemical and Heat Extraction

During the process of raising and then lowering of pH required to extract fulvic and humic acid with chemicals, significant alterations occur in their composition and behavior. One ends up with a significantly inferior product when using chemical extraction. Fulvic acid works in the soil to bind up contaminants and render them inactive. Swinging the pH and forcing these substances into solution with chemicals begins to use up the chemical buffering capacity of the fulvic and humic molecules, rendering them less microorganism friendly. This is why it is important that a standard is set for the production of humic/fulvic substances that allows end users to make an informed decision about the quality and capacity of their chosen product.