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Re: RES: RES: [compost_tea] Humic Acid



There is no doubt that the Humate or Humic acid market is clouded with 
credability. It earned its 'snake oil' image through blown up claims and lack 
of quality control.

Having said that, there are definate benefits in using humic acids in one's 
growing operation. All brown liquids are not the same. The factors effecting 
the quality and efficacy of a humic acid have to do with the source of ore 
from which it was mined and the extraction process employed. There is 
validity to the calims of proprietary processes.

Since humic acids are not one defined molecule but rather a group of carbon 
chains they must be charactorized by size and the quantity and type of 
functional groups attached to that chain. These materials because they are 
basic in nature do have some handling issues associated with them. The 
industry over time has made humic acids more friendly by creating soluble 
powders and liquids that are compatable with most nutritional; sprays. The 
problem is they have, in the same time, processed out the bulk of their 
activity! Data presented concerning humics must be specific for each 
formulation.

The very substances that require a quality humic acid to be handled in a 
particular manner and can cause mixing and application problems if not 
handled properly. They are also the substances we want to have in our soil. 
Be very cautious of humic acids whose major benfit is compatability and ease 
of use.

There are excellent products on the US market from US deposits. These have 
low salt indexes, few contaminants. a good portion of small molecular weight 
humic acids and consistant quality control.

Buyer bewre. If the price of a humate or humic acid seems too good to be 
true, it probably is. 

If anyone wants more information, they can e-mail me direct and I will try to 
answer any questions I can.

Tom

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