Applying fertiliser is only the first step.

Plants do not take up a bag of fertiliser as it was applied. Their roots absorb nutrients from the soil solution, mainly as dissolved ions. Nitrogen may be taken up as nitrate or ammonium, phosphorus primarily as phosphate, and potassium as potassium ions.

Before many nutrients can enter the plant, they must be released, dissolved or converted into a plant-available form.

That is why the condition of the soil and root zone matters.

Fertiliser supplies nutrients. The soil helps deliver them.

Once fertiliser reaches the soil, several processes influence what happens next.

Soil moisture helps dissolve nutrients. Clay and organic matter can hold some nutrient ions. Roots alter the chemistry immediately around them, while bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms help break down organic material and cycle nutrients.

This active area around the roots is known as the rhizosphere.

Peer-reviewed research describes an ongoing “cross-talk” between plants, roots, microorganisms and organic substances in the soil. Roots are not passive—they release compounds into the rhizosphere and influence the availability and uptake of nutrients. Read the research on soil–root cross-talk.

Where do humic and fulvic substances fit?

Humic substances are naturally occurring components associated with soil organic matter. They contain chemically active groups that can interact with soil minerals and certain nutrients.

Research reviews report that humic substances can support:

• nutrient availability and uptake;
• root branching and root-hair development;
• assimilation of macro- and micronutrients;
• plant metabolic activity; and
• biological processes within the root zone.

Their effects are considered biostimulant effects, rather than the direct supply of large quantities of fertiliser nutrients. This 2021 review explains the chemical structure and biological activity of humic substances.

A separate review of humic substances in agroecosystems examined their wider roles in soil fertility, nutrient cycling and plant growth. Read the review on the structure, function and benefits of humic substances in agroecosystems.

What could this mean in an orchard or crop?

For a horticultural grower, the goal is not simply to apply more fertiliser. It is to provide the right nutrients, in the right form, at the right time—and maintain a healthy root system capable of accessing them.

Humic and fulvic inputs may complement a well-managed nutrition programme by helping support:

• an active and well-developed root zone;
• the availability of certain mineral nutrients;
• efficient nutrient uptake and utilisation;
• balanced plant development; and
• better use of nutrients already present or applied.

They do not replace soil testing, leaf testing, fertiliser or good orchard management. Results can vary with the crop, soil, product source, application rate, timing and seasonal conditions. Research also shows that dose matters: applying more does not necessarily produce a better response.

This is particularly relevant in crops such as kiwifruit, where the objective is balanced growth, not excessive vine growth.

The takeaway

Fertiliser supplies nutrients, but healthy soil and an effective root system help plants access and use them.

Humic and fulvic products are designed to work alongside existing soil-health and nutrient programmes—not replace them.

At New Zealand Humates, we offer liquid and granular humate products for pasture, cropping, orchards and other horticultural systems.

Explore our product range or contact us to discuss which option may best suit your crop and nutrient programme.

Peer-reviewed research

Humic substances: Structure, function and benefits for agroecosystems — a review

Chemical Structure and Biological Activity of Humic Substances Define Their Role as Plant Growth Promoters

Soil–root cross-talking: The role of humic substances

A healthy root system is not simply one long root growing deeper into the soil. It also has lateral roots, fine branching and thousands of tiny root hairs that increase the area available to explore the soil.

Think of one long root as a single road.A well-branched root system is a complete road network. It reaches more areas of the soil, giving the plant more opportunities to access moisture and available nutrients. 

What does the research show?

Think of this stage as providing a vital recovery tonic for your kiwifruit plants. They’ve invested significant energy in producing this year’s harvest and now is the optimal time to help them replenish their nutrient reserves and prepare for robust growth in the spring.

Here’s a detailed look at why incorporating a post-harvest Fulvic Express Liquid application is a smart and effective strategy for kiwifruit growers:

1. Enhancing Post-Harvest Nutrient Uptake in Kiwifruit Vines:

Even after the final kiwifruit is picked, your kiwifruit vines continue to absorb essential nutrients from the soil. Fulvic acid, a key component of Fulvic Express Liquid, acts as a powerful natural chelator. This means it binds to vital minerals in the soil, making them more readily available for the kiwifruit plants to absorb and store. This efficient nutrient uptake ensures your kiwifruit vines enter their dormant period well-nourished, setting the stage for vigorous growth and fruit development in the subsequent season.

2. Promoting Strong and Healthy Kiwifruit Roots Post-Harvest:

A robust root system is the foundation of a thriving kiwifruit orchard. Fulvic acid has been shown to stimulate root growth and development in kiwifruit plants. This enhanced root structure improves the vine’s ability to efficiently uptake both water and essential nutrients from the soil. Stronger, healthier roots lead to more resilient kiwifruit vines that are better equipped to handle environmental stresses, such as drought or nutrient imbalances, ultimately contributing to consistent kiwifruit yields.

3. Improving Kiwifruit Orchard Soil Health Post-Harvest:

The benefits of Fulvic Express Liquid extend beyond the kiwifruit plant itself to the soil. Fulvic acid plays a crucial role in improving soil structure by encouraging the aggregation of soil particles. This improved soil aggregation enhances vital soil properties such as aeration, water retention, and drainage. A healthy soil environment provides the optimal conditions for kiwifruit root development and nutrient availability, creating a more productive kiwifruit orchard.

4. Setting Your Kiwifruit Orchard Up for a Productive Season:

By ensuring your kiwifruit vines receive the necessary nutrients post-harvest and develop a strong root system, you are essentially giving your orchard a significant head start for the next growing season. Well-nourished and resilient kiwifruit plants are better equipped to resist stress factors, leading to the potential for increased kiwifruit yields and improved fruit quality in the future.

In conclusion, while the kiwifruit harvest marks the end of one cycle, the post-harvest period is a critical window for proactive orchard management. Investing a little time in treating your kiwifruit vines with Fulvic Express Liquid is a strategic investment in the long-term health and productivity of your kiwifruit orchard. It’s a simple yet effective way to give your kiwifruit plants the essential boost they need to return stronger and more productive in the coming season.

What is AusMate?

AusMate is regarded as the highest quality humate in the Southern Hemisphere sourced from the Gippsland Valley in Victoria, Australia. It is rich in carbon, humic acid and fulvic acid which can help to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

How can you use humates in your tow and fert systems?

For optimal results, we suggest adding AusMate at a rate of 8% of your total fertilizer mix or for a 120L per hectare water rate add 8kg of AusMate. As AusMate is a raw, unprocessed humate product, we strongly recommend using a P70 nozzle to help prevent blockages.

Benefits may include:

• Improved fertiliser effectiveness
• Improved soil health
• Increased nutrient availability
• Increased yields
• Reduced fertilizer costs

We believe that AusMate is a valuable tool for farmers who are looking to improve their soil and plant health and we are excited to be working with Tow and Fert to help farmers get the most out of their fertiliser applications.

About Tow and Fert

Tow and Fert is a leading provider of tow and fert systems in New Zealand. They have a wide range of products to choose from, and they can help you find the perfect system for your needs. www.towandfert.co.nz

We would like to thank Charlie from Tow and Fert for his time and expertise.

What is Fulvic Acid?

Fulvic acid is a highly bioactive, water-soluble organic compound derived from decomposed plant and microbial matter. It is a component of humic substances, which are critical for maintaining soil fertility. Fulvic acid works at the molecular level, improving nutrient availability, soil structure, and microbial activity, all of which contribute to healthier pastures.

Enhancing Soil Health with Fulvic Acid

1. Improved Nutrient Uptake:Fulvic acid acts as a natural chelator, binding to essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals. It makes these nutrients more soluble and accessible to plants, ensuring they are absorbed efficiently by pasture grasses. This enhanced nutrient uptake leads to more vigorous growth and better forage quality for grazing animals.
2. Boosting Microbial Activity: Healthy soil relies on a thriving microbial ecosystem. Fulvic acid provides an energy source for beneficial soil microbes, promoting their activity and diversity. These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and suppressing soil-borne pathogens, all of which contribute to robust pasture growth.
3. Improved Soil Structure: Fulvic acid helps improve soil aggregation, reducing compaction and increasing aeration. This leads to better water infiltration and retention, especially in drought-prone areas. Well-structured soils also allow roots to penetrate more deeply, giving pasture plants access to moisture and nutrients stored in lower soil layers.
4. Neutralizing Soil pH: Many New Zealand farms face challenges with acidic soils. Fulvic acid can buffer soil pH, creating a more balanced environment for nutrient availability and plant growth. This can reduce the reliance on lime and other chemical amendments over time.

More Nutritious Pasture for Grazing

Pasture productivity is not just about volume; it’s also about quality. The enhanced nutrient availability facilitated by fulvic acid results in more nutrient-dense forage. This means dairy cows receive a better balance of minerals and nutrients, which can lead to:

• Improved Milk Production: Healthier cows fed with nutrient-rich pasture tend to produce higher-quality milk with better yields.
• Enhanced Animal Health: Adequate mineral intake can improve immunity and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, benefiting overall herd health.
• Cost Savings: With better pasture quality, farmers can reduce reliance on supplemental feed and mineral additives, saving money in the long run.

Incorporating fulvic acid into your fertiliser plan is simple with our Fulvic Express Liquid. It is suitable as a foliar fertiliser or with other water-soluble fertilisers and bio-stimulants as a chelating agent. Recommended application rates is 5L per ha and as it is BioGro Certified it can be used on organic as well as conventional farms.

Since 2006, Fred Harvey Director of New Zealand Humates has seen increasing interest from farmers and growers in the organic space looking at humic products to improve soil biology and nutrient uptake.

Humates is a completely natural and organic substance, rich in carbon, humic and fulvic acids; says Fred which is perfect for building up soil organic matter and is widely regarded by agronomists as one of the most important factors in building soil fertility.

“Humic material has the ability to assist natural fertiliser applications become more efficient and boost dry matter growth. It can assist in reducing and controlling the leaching of nutrients which are more readily held in the soil for uptake as the plant requires them” Fred said.

“One of our most widely used products in the organics sector, referred to as “the miracle mineral”, is our BioGro certified Fulvic Express Liquid. It has an extremely high CEC of about 1400 which increases the bioactivity and transportation of chelated nutrients and minerals to the plant and allows products such a seaweed and fish to be better utilised in the soil. Fulvic is so powerful that one Fulvic molecule is capable of carrying up to 60 or more minerals and trace elements into plant cells.  It is also a super food for soil bacteria and fungi.”

“Another product is Nitrogen Express Liquid which has been designed to extend the life of the nitrogen and allows more nitrogen to be taken up more effectively by the plant – perfect for those looking to reduce their nitrogen applications on the farm.”

The team at New Zealand Humates is looking forward to being back at the National Fieldays this year. Pop along to their stand at PB29 in the pavilion to talk to one of their experts about how their range of products can help you achieve your farming goals.

This article was published in the Coast and Country News page 6. Click here 

Fonterra’s Climate Roadmap:

Fonterra has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint and on-farm emissions. The Co-operative has set an ambitious target of achieving a 30% intensity reduction in on-farm emissions by 2030, based on a 2018 baseline. This initiative aims to further reduce the emissions profile of dairy products, with 86% of Fonterra’s emissions originating from on-farm activities.

The Challenges We Face:

New Zealand’s agricultural sector plays a significant role in the country’s economy, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen pollution. As responsible farmers, we must address these challenges to protect our environment and ensure the sustainability of our farms.

Why Humates Are Good for New Zealand Farmers:

Humates, derived from organic matter, offer several advantages that align with Fonterra’s climate goals and our collective commitment to sustainable agriculture:

Carbon Sequestration: Humates have a unique ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere when added to the soil. By enhancing soil organic matter, humates help mitigate CO2 emissions, contributing to our efforts to combat climate change.

Reduced Nitrogen Leaching: Humates improve soil structure and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), reducing the leaching of nitrogen and helping to safeguard our precious water resources.

Enhanced Nutrient Efficiency: Humates contain fulvic acid, which enhances nutrient chelation, making essential elements more available to plants. This means that we can achieve better crop yields with reduced reliance on nitrogen-based fertilisers, aligning with Fonterra’s emission reduction targets.

Support for Sustainable Practices: By incorporating humates into our farming methods, we demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices and contribute to New Zealand’s climate goals. Humates promote soil health and microbial activity, creating resilient and productive ecosystems.

Conclusion:

As we embark on the journey to address climate challenges and reduce our carbon and nitrogen footprint, humates stand out as a sustainable option for New Zealand farmers. Humates ability to sequester carbon, reduce nitrogen leaching, improve nutrient efficiency, and support sustainable practices aligns perfectly with Fonterra’s climate ambitions and our shared commitment to a greener future.

By embracing humates in our farming practices, we can play a pivotal role in achieving Fonterra’s emission reduction targets and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our farms and our beloved New Zealand. Let’s continue to farm responsibly, protect our environment, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

Addressing Soil Structure in Kiwi Soils

New Zealand soils are diverse, ranging from clay to sandy compositions. Humates can play a crucial role in improving the structure of these soils. For clay soils, humates aid in breaking down compaction, enhancing drainage, and promoting root penetration. In sandy soils, they contribute to water retention and nutrient-holding capacity. Understanding your soil type is the first step in tailoring humate application for optimal results.

Optimising Nutrient Use Efficiency

Kiwi farmers are well aware of the importance of nutrient management. Humates act as a natural chelator, unlocking essential nutrients and making them more available to plants. This property is particularly beneficial in nutrient-poor soils, helping crops access the vital elements needed for robust growth. Incorporating humates into your nutrient management plan can lead to more efficient fertiliser use.

Navigating New Zealand’s Varied Climates

New Zealand’s diverse climate, from the wetter regions of the West Coast to the drier areas of Canterbury, poses unique challenges. Humates, with their water retention capabilities, can aid farmers in water-stressed regions by improving soil moisture retention. In wetter areas, they assist in maintaining aeration and preventing waterlogged conditions. It’s about adapting humate application to the specific needs dictated by your local climate.

Promoting Resilience in the Face of Drought

With climate change bringing about more unpredictable weather patterns, drought resilience is a key consideration for Kiwi farmers. Humates contribute to water conservation in the soil, allowing crops to better withstand periods of drought. This is particularly valuable for regions that may experience water scarcity during certain times of the year.

Tailoring Humate Application to Crops

Different crops have distinct nutrient requirements and growth patterns. Kiwi farmers can benefit from tailoring humate application based on crop types. For example, humates can enhance the root development of pasture grasses, improving forage quality for livestock. Understanding the specific needs of your crops allows for a more targeted and effective use of humates.

Adopting Sustainable Practices

New Zealand has a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices. Humates align perfectly with this ethos by promoting organic and natural soil management. By reducing reliance on synthetic inputs, Kiwi farmers can contribute to the long-term health of their soils and surrounding ecosystems.

Conclusion
As Kiwi farmers continue their journey towards sustainable and resilient agriculture, integrating humates into their practices can be a practical and impactful step forward. From addressing soil structure challenges to navigating diverse climates, humates offer a versatile solution for enhancing productivity while aligning with New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. It’s time for Kiwi farmers to uncover the hidden potential of humates and let their farms flourish in the embrace of healthier soils.

Fulvic Acid also directly influences numerous enzymatic processes, including the intensified metabolism of the proteins RNA and DNA.

Fulvic Acid stimulates the plants immune system with related crop protection advantages. Fulvic Acid contains considerably more free radicals than Humic Acid, and this is part of the improved defense system package.

Seed treatment with Fulvic Acid can be very productive. Succinic and Fumaric Acid compounds, found within Fulvic Acids are biological stimuli, producing earlier growth, more roots and more shoots.
Several research projects have reported increased crop yield from seed treatment alone. Finally, Fulvic Acid can substitute for or interact with sunlight to enhance photosynthesis. This can be particularly valuable during prolonged cloudy periods.

All these listed benefits are documented at length, with full research references. Fulvic Acid is indeed a phenomenon – it is the single most productive input in agriculture, and its potential is further increased by the ultimate versatility of the product.

Fulvic versatility

• Fulvic Acid can be combined with all sulphate-based trace elements to provide an inexpensive chelating option.
• Unlike Humic Acid, which is incompatible with Calcium Nitrate, Fulvic Acid can be combined with Calcium Nitrate to chelate the calcium component and stabilise the nitrogen component.
• Unlike Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid is compatible with all fertilisers containing soluble Phosphate, including Phosphoric Acid. Phosphate uptake is enhanced, and soil Phosphate levels are stabilised.
• Fulvic Acid can be combined with all herbicides to neutralise toxic residues.
• Fulvic Acid will increase the uptake of any material, including fertilisers and systemics.
• According to recent South American reports, Fulvic Acid can increase the uptake and translocation of Phosphorus Acid based fungicides.
• Fulvic Acid is compatible with Phosphorus Acid.
• Fulvic Acid can also be used with all defoliants.
• Fulvic Acid can lengthen the performance time of Urea by up to 80 days.
• Fulvic Acid is a powerful organic electrolyte, which can balance and energise all cells (an electrolyte is a substance soluble in water and other mediums, which is capable of conducting electrical current). The physical wellbeing of plants and microbes is determined by proper electrical potential.
• Fulvic Acid enhances cell division and elongation. Root growth is magnified with obvious benefits for root crops.
• As a foliar spray, Fulvic Acid increases the plants capacity to uptake Oxygen, with an associated increase in growth.
• Fulvic Acid can promote prolonged production, as it tends to delay the aging process.
• Fulvic Acid has a unique capacity to dissolve minerals and trace elements. This feature has tremendous importance for fast tracking the plant availability of rock minerals, rock Phosphate and Lime.
• Fulvic Acid can substitute for or interact with sunlight to enhance photosynthesis. This can be particularly valuable during prolonged cloudy periods.
• Fulvic Acid is a potent natural chelating agent converting metallic elements into readily absorbable, bio-available nutrition.
• Fulvic Acid increases the permeability of plant membranes, improving the uptake of nutrients.
• Fulvic Acid offers drought protection, due to improved moisture storage and because it can build brix levels. High brix plants are less prone to wilting.
• Fulvic Acids can detoxify pollutants in the soil. They absorb poisons (reducing soil-life damage) and catalyse the rapid breakdowns of the toxins.
• Fulvic Acid dissolves silica and magnifies the many benefits of this element.
• Fulvic Acid increases the metabolism of proteins.
• Fulvic Acid is responsible for an increase in stomata opening and transpiration.
• Fulvic Acid directly influences numerous enzymatic processes.
• Fulvic Acid stimulates the plants immune system, influencing crop protection.
• Fulvic Acids have a very low molecular size, which enables Fulvic related minerals rapid entry through plant walls.
• Fulvic Acids are the ultimate nutrient storage facilitators, as they have a phenomenal CEC of 1400.

For more information please contact us on:
Freephone 0508 HUMATES (0508 486 283)
Email info@humates.co.nz

How does this happen?

High contents of NH4 and NO3 in the soil without good retention may not guarantee plant N use efficiency because both NH4 and NO3 are prone to leaching. The additional loss of N from soil is caused by the biological transformation of NH4 to NO3 under anaerobic condition and denitrification process of converting NO3 to N2. Under normal conditions, Ammonium (NH4+), Hydroxyl (OHS and Carbonate (CO32-) ions are produced rapidly (1 or 2 days) after surface application of Urea. This leads to the accumulation of NH4+, which simultaneously increases the soil pH surrounding the application area or near the Urea granule. The increase of OH”, HCO3″ and NH4+ concentrations through this process plays a significant role in the rapid loss of N. Rapid liberation of Ammoniacal N makes it more fragile, which promotes soluble N (e.g., NH4+) to react with other components in the soil solution and releases NH3 gas to the atmosphere.

What can be done?

• Ammonia losses can be controlled by the addition of Humic material, which contains the active ingredients Humic and Fulvic acids, at the rate of 10% to Urea. This significantly reduces the soil exchangeable Ammonia loss by up to 40 % compared to Urea alone.

What are the other benefits?

• Increase in soil exchangeable Ammonium and soil available Nitrate.
• Improvement of N, P and K use efficiency as well as reducing environmental pollution.
• Urea becomes a very stable, slow releasing Nitrogen source.
• The released pattern is extended thus allowing 10-40% less Nitrogen to be used.
• Humates/Humic controls the lost of humus which can be caused through the nitrification of
  Nitrogen (Urea) by nitrifying bacteria.
• Increase accumulation of soil exchangeable Ammonium and soil available Nitrate.
• Humates buffer the soils against damage, which can be caused by acid fertiliser applications.
• Humates are a good source of fungi and bacteria food.
• Decrease in Nitrates in the end product and the environment.

If you would like to learn more about how Humates can help your farming and growing needs, please contact us on 0508 486 2837 or email us at info@humates.co.nz.