Content
Sodium humate is a mineral and organic fertilizer, considered one of the best growth stimulants for vegetable and fruit crops. Many gardeners note that its use has a positive effect on indoor plants and garden flowers. Humate is widely used in plant growing, does not exhibit toxicity, does not have cumulative properties and is not mutagenic.
The substance exhibits high immunostimulating and adaptogenic qualities
What is sodium humate
Sodium humate is a salt of humic acid. Its use as a soil fertilizer dates back to Ancient Egypt. Then this process took place without the participation of people: when the Nile overflowed its banks and flooded the nearby layer of earth, fertile silt formed on its surface.
Currently, “Gumat” is made from peat, sometimes from brown coal, waste obtained after the production of paper and alcohol, in an organic way.The substance is a waste product of Californian worms; the formation process is simple: invertebrates absorb waste, the intestines process it and turn it into fertilizer.
The instructions for use in the garden say that “sodium humate” must be dissolved in water (black powder), but there is also a liquid preparation. It is better to give preference to it, since in dry form it is poorly diluted due to its low solubility.
When purchasing a stimulant, you should beware of counterfeits. It is better to give preference to proven and popular brands: Sotka, August, BioMaster.
Fertilizer composition Sodium humate
“Sodium humate” consists of a complex of humic and fulvic acids (sources of fats, wax, lignin). The preparation contains about 70% sodium salts, more than 20 amino acids. Heavy metals include cadmium and lead. The dry powder contains phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, potassium, magnesium and trace elements (molybdenum, copper, zinc, cobalt). Sodium Humate also contains proteins, carbohydrates and tannins. Since the fertilizer has a high pH number, it is not recommended for use in alkaline soil. Under the influence of the concentrate, plant immunity increases, their resistance to various diseases, sharp drops in temperature and drought, and the number of shoots increases. Judging by the instructions for use, “Sodium Humate” is useful for trees, vegetable crops, berry bushes, and can stimulate their growth and development. Prevents premature falling of leaves and ovaries.
Fertilizer in dry form is poorly soluble in water
Release form
“Sodium humate” goes on sale in dry (powder, granules) and liquid form, less often in the form of a gel and paste.When considering its use, it should be noted that initially it is a bulk substance that does not dissolve well in the soil. When used as a growth stimulator, it is better to give preference to a ready-made solution.
Liquid “Humates” are sold in dark bottles of various sizes. They are convenient to use in small areas, as fertilizer for indoor plants, when you need a little substance that will be consumed slowly and gradually.
Dry concentrate is convenient because it can be applied to the soil either diluted or loose. Typically used in fields and large farmlands. Dry “Humate” accelerates the development of microflora in the soil and promotes the formation of good humus. It is embedded in the ground in the fall. The drug is evenly distributed over the surface of the earth, then the area is dug up and watered. For convenience, the granules are mixed with sand.
The product in the form of a gel or paste is diluted with water before use, which ultimately produces a large amount of fertilizer. In terms of method of use and effectiveness, preparations in this form are similar to liquid concentrate.
Pros and cons of sodium humate
Using the drug on a personal plot has many advantages:
- Allows you to reduce the dose of mineral fertilizers by 25%.
- Increases productivity up to 30%.
- Reduces chemical stress on plants after pesticide application.
- Enriches the soil with useful substances, stimulates the development of microflora and fauna in it.
- Helps develop a strong root system.
- Stabilizes the biological process of humus formation.
- Strengthens crop resistance to drought and sudden temperature changes.
- Increases plant immunity.
- Reduces soil acidity.
- Improves the appearance and taste of fruit crops.
- Reduces the concentration of heavy metals in the soil.
If we talk about the shortcomings of the product, then an important rule in its use is strict adherence to the instructions. An overdose can disrupt the growth of the root system, oversaturate the soil with humic compounds, and cause yellowing and falling of plant leaves. In order for fertilizer to be beneficial, it is applied strictly at certain growth phases.
Plants need to be accustomed to “Sodium Humate” gradually
Instructions for use of sodium humate
The drug is best absorbed by plants through their roots, so more often they water the soil with it or embed it in the ground. High efficiency of the substance is observed when used during seed treatment, for watering seedlings and as a fertilizer for adult crops.
How to use sodium humate for seed treatment
To ensure that planting material has more vigorous shoots, is strong, and has a uniformly developing root system, gardeners often treat it with “Humate.” In this case, the seeds are soaked for 48 hours in a solution prepared from 1/3 tsp. of the drug and 1000 ml of water, then dry well.
For seedlings
The instructions for using sodium humate for seedlings of cucumbers and tomatoes, seedlings, and trees state that a useful solution is prepared from 1 tbsp. l. substances and 10 liters of warm (+50 °C) water. It is recommended to water plants with this liquid during planting, during flowering and budding.After transplanting seedlings into open ground, during the adaptation period, half a liter of solution is added to the ground, and during the formation of buds - 1 liter. The application interval should be about two weeks.
As a fertilizer
In the case when they want to fertilize a plant with “sodium humate,” its concentration is reduced. Dissolve 3 g of the drug in a bucket of water and mix thoroughly. The resulting solution is sprayed onto the leaves, which immediately absorb the beneficial substances.
“Sodium humate” can be used for soil detoxification
Precautions when working with sodium humate
The instructions for using sodium humate powder state that before you start treating plants with this fertilizer, you must take care of personal protective equipment. It is recommended to work with rubber gloves; at this moment you should not eat, drink or smoke. If the drug gets on the mucous membranes, rinse them thoroughly with cool, clean water. In case of poisoning, it is recommended to do a gastric lavage and drink several tablets of activated carbon.
It is undesirable to use “sodium humate” together with calcium nitrate, superphosphates and phosphorus flour.
Terms and conditions of storage of sodium humate
Liquid “Sodium Humate” has a limited shelf life of only 30 days.During this time, the solution should be kept in a dark container, in a cool, dry room that does not allow light to enter, out of the reach of children, away from medications and food products.
The powder form of the fertilizer should be stored in a dark place at a temperature not lower than -5 °C, for a period of up to 5 years.
The fertilizer is not recommended for use on alkaline soils.
Conclusion
Sodium humate is a fertilizer that is an indispensable component for the garden. When used, the growth, development and presentation of plants significantly improves, and productivity increases. After planting the seedlings in the ground, all the shoots quickly take root and bloom.
