Humate Biologically Active Plant Food

Humic acids are eco-friendly compounds derived from soil, peat, and humus. Humic substances are formed by the microbial degradation of dead plant matter and when used as plant food it seems to be a form of recycling.
Humic product vendors claim they greatly improve the soil and promote beneficial micro-organisms and bio-life within the plants root zone area.
I first encountered these new products at the Glee show for garden centres and horticulturalists in Birmingham in September

Claimed Benefits

• Stimulates seed germination
• Promotes  rapid root development and helps layering
  
• Reduces transplant shock
• Promotes increased immune system and resistance to pests and disease
• Decreases watering requirements and stimulates weak plants
  
• Grows green foliage, thicker stems and larger buds
• Reduces residual pesticides and nitrate
  
• Backed by 40+ years of research in organic Humate base agriculture products
• Works in any growing medium…no expensive hydroponics necessary, and no need to change the growing medium between crops

Humates consisting of biologically active fulvic acids and humic acids are crucial to life on earth because they provide a biochemical bridge between mineral and living plant matter. Humic and fulvic acid are powerful chelaters and help to increase nutrient absorption.

Green OK have a range of products which also include good old NPK so the plants shouldn’t suffer if you decide to experiment.
They are part of the Latvian Institute of Humic Studies and the product are just arriving on the shelves of UK retailers

Snake oil or a breakthrough in plant nutrition? Well seaweed is a great additive so will Latvian soil extracts work as well? I have yet to try the products but hope too soon. I will report back