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Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I was an article I got too by a link Russ provided. It is an old article (1996) but it makes some interesting points. Who knows if it still applies.

It actually discusses humic acid and humate being bad, and possibly reducing yields. Here are some quotes...

The treatments in the field study were a control, 400, 800 or 1200 pounds of granular humate per acre split in two applications at rough neck and fruit set. The liquid product was applied with or without a supplemental liquid
NPK product supplying 15 lbs N/a.

The treatments had no effect on rot.

The treatment with the supplemental liquid fertilizer but without humate had the highest yield.

The plots that received the 800 or 1200 lb/a rate of humate had the lowest yield. The 800 lb/a rate of humate had the lowest mean berry size.

The granular humate depressed yields at a location that was
both sandy and nutritionally poor where humate is supposed to have the best effect.

When humate was added as a liquid to improve the uptake of
foliar applied nutrients, yields were reduced. Exactly opposite the desired effect.

The conclusions from these studies are that granular humate and liquid humic acid did not have a positive effect on yield or plant growth. Therefore, there is no reason for growers to purchase and apply these products. In fact, under some conditions the humate products may have actually reduced yield and growth.


THOUGHTS?!?!

2/6/2009 6:49:15 PM

post the link so we can all see the study

Also at those rates which are wayyy excessive from any supply source that I have seen, perhaps that had a negative affect. Most agri services suggest 100 lbs/ acre split in 2 apps.

Yes I have seen the rates that AG growers are using and I shake my head,,,,but that's just me.

2/6/2009 7:40:28 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Oops, sorry. Man, some bad grammar and spelling on my part at first there...

Here is the link:

http://www.hort.wisc.edu/cran/pubs_archive/newsletters/1996/8_5_96%20newsletter.pdf

2/6/2009 8:37:13 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Dan, what rates do you recommend?

2/7/2009 8:45:03 AM

Every patch is different,,I get a "humus"(Luebke) test and see where the levels are,,,I also know what the soil type is and then look at the CEC,,,all of these things make a difference and need to be considered b4 application or recommendations. A good lab with an Agronomist to consult with is a big plus.

Now for foliar apps or drenches during the season with HA or a "humus" product there is no real guideline or standard that needs to be followed at least that I have found.

IMO,,,,as always :-)

2/7/2009 9:18:36 AM