HC = O COOH COOH (HC - OH) () COOH 4 H HO HC = O O O R - CH H OH O O COOH O N O O

HO CH - CH2 OH OH O O CH O COOH N O O NH O OH R - CH C = O (peptide) NH

CH2OH

OH COOH COOH HOOC CH O 3 OH HOOC

HOOC OH COOH O

PRODUCT INFORMATION BULLETIN

NuHumicWDG is a highly concentrated humic supplement that combines humic with VERGETM, a leading edge dispersing granule. Its novel granule complex introduces a new dimension to humic acid products – providing a reliable source of unparalleled levels of soluble humic acid to the plant rootzone without having to rely on inconsistent geochemical or microbial reactions to breakdown parent materials (such as Leonardite fines) used in many other humic acid granule products.

Humic substances (HS) are a source (FAs), the fraction soluble in both alkali Any change in solution pH, concentration of concentrated . They and acid; and the humin fraction, which or the presence of metal ions — especially are known to be among the most cannot be extracted by either dilute base calcium ions — will cause huge changes biochemically active molecules found in or acid (Stevenson 1982; Schnitzer 1982). in the physical makeup of the humic . They are recognized for both their The term, “Humic acid, “ is often used molecules. Even slight changes can cause beneficial effects in and substrates commercially as a general term for humic the molecules to change in orders of (particularly those deficient in organic substances (HS) that contain humic and magnitude. matter) and their influence on the growth fulvic acid fractions. Humic substances Conformational Changes and cultivation of plants. They impart are formed in what can be described as a Humic substances are usually present as a significant influence on the overall complex “open” system where an infinite negatively charged polymers (due to the yield, flowering, bud development and number of plant materials are available presence of weak acid functional groups resistance to stress. and where an equally infinite number such as , –COOH). In , Humic substances are long-lasting critical of chemical functional groups can be both non-polar and anionic (negative components of natural soil systems. They formed. The variables are so extensive that charge) forms exist in an equilibrium. can remain in soil systems for centuries no two humic acids are the same. or even millenniums. However, it is - + estimated they can also be destroyed in Nature’s Chameleon R–COOH <=> R–COO + H less than 50 years by some agricultural Theoretically humic substances should practices. Or they may exist in very limited be repelled from the substrate particle amounts in “constructed” or “soilless” surfaces which also have negative charges. substrates such as found in today’s horticultural production media. Humic substances (HSs) are a series of relatively high-molecular-weight, light-brown- to black-colored, complex and heterogeneous organic polymers SIMILAR CHARGE REPULSION Humic substances have been described formed by secondary synthesis reactions as being constructed with chameleon-like SURFACE (Stevenson 1982). molecules, that will adopt conformational These substances are partitioned changes in order to facilitate their However, humic substances will undergo into three main fractions based on adsorption to the soil particle interface or changes to their molecular configuration their in alkaline and acidic even as surrounding conditions change. to overcome this similar charge repellency extraction solutions. These are humic acids at the substrate interface. (HAs), which comprise the alkali-soluble but acid-insoluble fraction; fulvic acids CH OH Scientists have found humic substances 2 charged anions such as phosphorus and commonly initiate adsorption to the nitrates are also held and their loss due OH COOH COOH substrate particle surface through HOOC to leaching is reduced. CH segment-surface bonds such as: O 3 OH Nitrogen Management. The ability of • Cationic bridges HOOC humic substances to enhance the fertility HOOC OH COOH • Association with hydrous oxides O of substrates and stabilize nitrogen in the media profile is well established. • Hydrogen bonds Fulvic Acid according to Buffle et al. (1977) Improvement of nitrogen utilization and Humic Acid overall plant quality should be expected HUMIC SUBSTANCE ADSORBED TO SOIL PARTICLE SURFACE Humic acid is one of the most important as well as improved efficiency of applied + + + components of HS. Humic acid has a fertilizers larger, more complex molecular structure Soil Organisms. Humic substances are than fulvic acid. a good source of carbon for beneficial hydrogen bonds cationic bridge hydrous oxide adsorption adsorption adsorption HC = O site site site soil organisms. Humic COOH COOH (HC - OH) (sugar) COOH 4 H SOIL PARTICLE SURFACE HO HC = O O O substances and non humic R - CH H OH O O COOH O N O O (organic) compounds HO CH - CH Illustration depicting HA forming segment-surface 2 OH OH O O CH O bond to promote attraction to soil surface COOH provide the energy and N O O NH many of the mineral O OH R - CH requirements for soil These bonds effectively reverse the C = O (peptide) surface charge of humic substance NH microorganisms and soil adhesion points to positive values Model structure of humic acid (Stevenson 1982) animals. that allows them to adsorb to particle Soil Structure. As humic substances Humic acid components are low surfaces through electrostatic become intimately associated with molecular weight compounds but they interactions. Once segment-surface the mineral fraction of the substrate, aggregate step-by-step resulting in bonds are formed, temporary induced complexes of -media aggregates higher molecular weight aggregates polarity of non-polar sites on organic are formed. Since humic substances and supramolecules of higher molecular substances (via van der Waals’ forces) also exhibit positive sites on their molecules weight capable of self-assembly, folding, contributes to adsorption. as well as negative sites, HS can and dynamic covalent chemistry. By effectively serve to promote the definition it will be brown to nearly black Humic Acids and Fulvic Acids attraction of fine substrate particles that in color. Most investigators agree that differences result in aggregation. These aggregates between humic acids and fulvic acids, can Features impart desirable “friability” characteristics be explained by variations in intensity of such as good crumb structure, improved Humic acids provide a concentrated form color, carbon content, molecular weight, tilth and air : water ratios. of organic matter that can enrich areas of numbers of functional groups (carboxyl, horticultural substrates that are deficient Buffering agents. Humic substances phenolic OH), characteristics in organic matter. The array of charged have been shown to buffer (neutralize) and extent of polymerization. functional groups (both negative and the media pH and liberate carbon positive) on the humic molecule make dioxide. Both acidic and alkaline media Humic substances (pigmented polymers) them extremely versatile and offer can be neutralized. Once the soil is managers of horticultural systems a neutralized, many trace elements Fulvic Acid Humic acid Humin number of features and benefits. formerly bound in the media and unavailable to plant roots, because of Improved Soil Conditions alkaline or acidic conditions, become increase in intensity of colour increase in degree of polymerization Increased Cation Exchange Capacity. available to the plant roots. 2000 increase in molecular weight 300,000? Negative and positive sites on humic 45% increase in carbon content 62% Water Holding Capacity. Water consists 48% decrease in oxygen content 30% substance fractions attract and retain 1400 decrease in exchange acidity 500 of a polar molecule and its positive decrease in degree of solubility cations in the medium, resulting hydrogen atoms are attracted to the Chemical Properties of humic substances (Stevenson 1982) in increasing substrate CEC. Once negative sites on the humic molecule. complexed with humic substances, Adsorption by water on the humic nutritional minerals are retained in the Fulvic Acid substance is similar to what happens on soil rootzone longer and reduce their soil surfaces and the overall effect is to Fulvic acid is the lowest molecular weight tendency to leach – improving the increase water holding capacity in the fraction of humic substances (HS). By nutritional value of the soil rootzone. definition it will be golden in color. media. Since humic acids also have positive Because of its small molecular size, fulvic sites on their molecules, negatively acid is able to penetrate the leaf and even the mitochondria of a cell which makes it great for foliar sprays and root drenches. Rootzones with adequate humic acid extraction is usually favored as it size, making them almost impossible content also demonstrate improved removes more soluble humic acid to handle. Variable granule sizes also water infiltration, air : water ratios and substances from the raw Leonardite adversely affect the physical distribution uniform water distribution. material. Once they have been extracted of the dry materials, resulting Toxic substances. Degradation or and concentrated they become soluble in applications with non-uniform inactivation of toxic substances is in water. By comparison, raw humates disbursement of the humic acid active mediated by humic substances. Humic can take much longer to break down ingredients within the rootzone. substances have charged sites on their and become plant available. There are also reported problems surfaces which function to attract and Problem Area - Source of HA with the uncertainty associated with inactivate pesticides and other toxic products that must rely on microbial The source material for humic acids is substances. Soil humic substances are activity to convert the raw parent quite important. Yet the marketplace capable of either stabilizing or assisting material to soluble humic fractions. presents superintendents with in the degradation of toxic substances. There is always a degree of uncertainty numerous products containing a associated with biological release of Features variety of HA source materials. active ingredients. A small fraction of lower molecular weight The vagaries of selecting soil Today dispersible dry granular humic components in humic substances can be conditioners containing humic acids soil conditioner formulations have taken up by plants. The stimulatory effects continues since source materials are one come a long way towards addressing of humic substances has been correlated thing, but the amount of soluble humic dust issues non-uniform granule size. with enhanced uptake of macronutrients. substances released from carriers into Issues dealing with both the uniformity Studies of the effects of humic substances the soil profile is yet another. of active ingredient dispersion and on plant growth show positive effects on For example, two manufacturers the actual levels of soluble humic acid plant biomass. may source the same high quality following application remain with some There appears to be a close correlation raw Leonardite material containing formulations. of humic acids and fulvic acids with 85% humic acids. But each product increases in the permeability and manufacturer may (and often do) choose facilitation of mineral elements to extract the soluble fractions (humic and movement through the cell membranes. fulvic acid) using proprietary methods Humic substances also have a very that result in different percentages of pronounced influence on the growth soluble extracted humic acids. Still others of plant roots. Root growth is generally may choose to use a combination of raw more apparent than stimulation of material with extracts. shoot growth. It should be noted that unless HAs are With the introduction of NuHumicWDG, Humic Acids – A Strong Value soluble, they are inactive in soils and innovative concepts and leading edge unavailable to plants. So regardless of the technologies are moved to reality. More Proposition for Sustainable stated source material and humic acid importantly, the use of Horticulture Management content, the key consideration is the NuHumicWDG allows the horticulture Humic substances not only impact percent of soluble humic acids released manager to profit from a product that the physical, chemical and biological from the soil conditioner in the soil. redefines humic acid performance. properties of substrates, they also Now consider that each manufacturer NuHumicWDG humic acid fractions improve have a direct influence on plants. is using their own granular material the media structure and enrich the Their use continues to escalate as they -- each of which is capable of loading a properties of substrates by increasing the continue to demonstrate economical different amount of active ingredient on exchange capacity and buffering qualities, and ecologically friendly solutions for the carrier and each has its own release increasing the retention of applied sustainable horticulture management characteristics. fertilizers in the soil profile, promoting practices - especially in media with Since specific standards for products the of many elements and depleted levels of organic matter. containing humic substances are not yet improving their plant uptake. While a number of sources can be universally established for registration Source of HA considered as raw material for the purposes, growers should feel free to manufacture of HA-based media investigate and ask questions regrding Only Leonardite containing high conditioners, Leonardite (an oxidized percentages of humic acid is used in the any product’s source materials and WDG containing up to 85% humic percent of humic acids released in the production of NuHumic . acids) is generally preferred (particularly media before making a decision. NuHumicWDG does not rely on the for soil applications). uncertainties associated with the need Problem Area - Granular for precursors, biochemical reactions In order to be soluble, humates in Formulations raw form such as lignite or leonardite and enhanced microbial populations to must go through an alkaline extraction Many formulations are dusty and are solubilize its humic acids. process. -based composed of granules with uneven Granular Formulations Rapid Release HA Delivery System NuHumicWDG granules are a novel source The NuHumicWDG Verge granule has been of soluble bioactive components of high engineered to rapidly release its high quality humates. humic acid content following a watering- and fertilizers in cycle. The NuHumicWDG granules incorporate a patented clay and leonardite complex NuHumicWDG is well suited for use with within the proprietary Verge dispersing dry fertilizers. When moistened, the granule’s composition. NuHumicWDG granules quickly dissolve to release their soluble humic acids. The dispersed humic acids surround the fertilizer particles. Microbes are attracted to the HA carbon Dispersed Humic Acid source “coating” and the fertilizer is Day 1- Minute following Verge is the product of advanced watering-in of NuHumic DG digested by these microbial colonies. processing techniques and a natural raw This biochemical process promotes the material that are combined to create retention of the fertilizer in the root zone innovative granules with unsurpassed Levels of humic acids sufficient to so that leaching is minimized. function, uniformity and appearance. initiate reactions needed to improve Humic acid chelation of fertilizer and Improved handling and reduced dust the soil structure, enrich the properties trace elements also markedly increases exposure of soil and provide benefits to plants plant uptake thereby providing more Verge has a durable outer core and are quickly established with the use of nutrients to the plant and a better yield. spherical shape that prevents tiny NuHumicWDG. Test Results fragments from breaking off, unlike Rye Grass traditional, irregular-shaped granules Study #1 that rub together during handling, 21 Days Following Application transportation, and formulation. Growers using NuHumic WDG with Verge technology should experience a formulated product with improved handling and reduced dust exposure.

Uniform distribution of granules and FERTILIZER FERTILIZER FERTILIZER Darker brown color of NuHumicWDG sample & & active ingredient ONLY indicates a higher percentage of soluble humic LEONARDITE NuHumic DG Application tests using a rotary spreader acids in water extract. show that Verge granules are more evenly distributed across the swath width regardless of distance from the spreader. This results in a uniform distribution of granules and active ingredient across the treatment area. Redefining Humic Acid Performance Percent Humic Acid Released in Water 25 Additional information and suggested usage charts are available at www.hurricanehydroponics.com.

20

15

10

5

0 WWW.HURRICANEHYDROPONICS.COM Humic DG HydraHume NuHumic Leonardite Fines (Andersons) (Helena) 1.888.358.5278 -5 Results of water extraction test. Results determined using modified version of [email protected] the California Method for Determining Humic Acid.