Lobsters

Other names: humic acids

Humates, also known as humic acids, are substances derived from humus, the top layer of soil that is rich in organic matter. Humic acids are also found in peat, lignite, leonardite or a raw material called humalite. These substances, although chemically difficult to describe, are in fact a mixture of many different organic acids containing carboxylic and phenolic functional groups. Humic acids are known for their benefits to soil microbiota and their ability to increase soil fertility.

Humates are widely used in agriculture, specifically in organic and organic farming. Outside this area, humates are also used in industry and technology. They find application in the environment, for example in the remediation of soils after mining or other disturbances, where humates can help stabilise soils, bind pollutants and promote revegetation. Mention should also be made of fisheries, where humate preparations are used to promote fish health and prevent disease. Humates are also being explored for their use in, for example, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.