What are humic substances & what can they do?

In the Soil

Farmers worldwide are facing increasing challenges in maintaining healthy and resilient topsoils. One traditional way to rebuild soil organic matter and increase humic substance levels is composting. However, this process takes time and requires consistent input. 

In agricultural practice, plant-based humic substances are increasingly discussed as a complementary approach within soil management strategies. They are not fertilisers that directly drive plant growth, but are commonly described as biostimulants that interact with natural soil processes already present on the field.

Microbial Activity
In agriculture, humic substances are associated with soil conditions that support microbial activity. They can contribute to the formation of stable microenvironments in the soil, where microorganisms are less prone to displacement through irrigation or rainfall.
Their complex molecular structure is also discussed in relation to redox processes that are relevant for microbial metabolism and nutrient transformations in agricultural soils. In addition, humic substances are linked to soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), an important factor for nutrient retention and biologically active soils under field conditions.

Nutrient Retention & Availability
Humic substances are known to interact with key agricultural nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Through binding and exchange processes, they can influence how nutrients are retained in the soil and made available within the root zone. These interactions are part of broader nutrient management and cycling processes rather than direct nutrient supply.

Interaction with Undesirable Substances in Soils
In agricultural contexts, humic substances are also discussed for their ability to interact with certain heavy metals and residual compounds present in soils. By binding these substances, they can influence their mobility and reduce their transfer within the soil profile. Such interactions are relevant for long-term soil quality and field stability rather than short-term corrective measures.

Plant Resilience & Root Development
In agricultural contexts, humic substances are also discussed for their ability to interact with certain heavy metals and residual compounds present in soils. By binding these substances, they can influence their mobility and reduce their transfer within the soil profile. Such interactions are relevant for long-term soil quality and field stability rather than short-term corrective measures.

Organic Matter, Humus Formation & Carbon Reservoirs
Humic substances are a key component of stable soil organic matter in agricultural systems. They contribute to the formation of longer-lasting organic fractions in the soil and are associated with improved soil structure and carbon stability. These processes support the long-term productivity of farmland and the role of agricultural soils as carbon reservoirs.

With Manure

In agricultural practice, mineral fertilisers and organic amendments such as manure are often applied together to support crop nutrition.

In this context, humic substances are increasingly discussed for their potential role within integrated nutrient management strategies.

Humic substances are known to interact with nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus through binding processes. These interactions can influence how nutrients are retained in the soil and how they move through the soil profile, which is relevant for discussions around run-off and nutrient losses.

Manure is widely used as an organic fertiliser in farming, but its handling can present challenges, including nutrient losses and odour emissions. In agricultural contexts, humic substances are often examined for their interaction with nutrients in manure and with volatile compounds such as ammonia, particularly in relation to nutrient stability and odour management.

In many regions, manure production exceeds what can be readily applied to land, resulting in surplus material that must be managed despite its nutrient content. Within broader discussions on circular agriculture, humic substances are sometimes considered as part of approaches aimed at stabilising nutrients and improving the handling and reuse of organic fertilisers.

For the Gut

In nutrition and health research, humic substances are increasingly discussed in relation to the gut environment and digestive processes.

  • Humic substances are examined for their interaction with gut microbiota, where they may contribute to conditions that support microbial balance.

  • Studies further explore the potential relationship of humic substances with the integrity of the gut lining, which is considered an important factor in overall digestive function.

  • In research contexts, humic substances are investigated for their interaction with inflammatory pathways.

  • Experimental studies also examine the activity of humic substances in relation to certain bacteria and viruses under controlled conditions.

 While humic substances are the subject of ongoing research in these areas, they are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Individual responses may vary, and decisions related to health or supplementation should always be made in consultation with a qualified health professional.