Persistent heat, drought, heavy rain and flooding - the number of extreme weather events is constantly increasing worldwide. With considerable consequences for agriculture and global food security. Humic acids can help to reduce the effects of extreme weather on the sensitive soil-plant system.

Plants and the climate

Due to their genetics, most crop plants depend on optimal environmental conditions to achieve the desired yields. In high heat and low rainfall, they quickly fall into drought stress. The consequence for agriculture: considerable harvest losses. Even with sufficient yield, extreme weather has negative effects on the plants; they no longer produce certain micronutrients that are essential for the functions of the human body and are therefore less nutritious.

The soil and the climate

Environmental conditions such as temperature and precipitation also have a fundamental effect on natural processes in the soil. High temperatures favour the conversion processes in soils by microorganisms. The humus balance becomes negative and large-scale humus decomposition occurs. Soil fertility decreases, the soil crumb becomes unstable and the soil is susceptible to erosion. The humus loss also leads to the soil storing less water and nutrients. Such degraded soils are easily washed away or carried away by the wind. Without specific measures to build up humus, the downward spiral of desertification begins.

Humic acids - For stability in the soil-plant system

In order to adapt to climate change and to secure food supplies, the soil-plant system must be stabilized and its stress resistance increased. Humic acid, a part of the humic substances found in peat and (soft) lignite, for example, can make a considerable contribution here.

Why? Humic acids improve the quality and structure of the soil and stimulate plant growth. They form stable clay-humus complexes that are less susceptible to erosion and increase the water retention capacity of the soil. Heavy rainfall or prolonged drought is less dangerous for plants and soil life.

Humic acids also stimulate the growth and reproduction of desirable microorganisms and bacteria, thus promoting humus formation. They bind nutrients and keep them available for plants. Humic acid preparations strengthen the root growth of plants, so that they can also reach deeper stored water reserves and are better supplied with nutrients.

Looking to the future, agriculture urgently needs to adapt to climate change. Due to its excellent properties and positive effect on the soil-plant system, the application of humic acids can make an invaluable contribution to this adaptation. Thus, farmers will continue to produce sufficient food of the best quality in the future.

Have you already had experiences with humic acids? What do you do to improve the humus balance on your field? Share your experience and knowledge and help to promote the development of humus worldwide!