Ugarit Humic: The Synergistic Effect of Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, and Potassium Oxide (K2O) in Enhancing Soil Fertility and Plant Productivity – An Applied Study Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Component	Concentration (W/V)
Potassium Oxide (K2O)	15% (w/v)
Humic and Fulvic Acids	30% (w/v)
Density	1.09 ± kg/L
Appearance & Color	Blackish brown liquid

Introduction
Humic Acid: Chemical Formula and Physical-Chemical Properties
Fulvic Acid: Chemical Formula and Physical-Chemical Properties
Importance and Benefits of Humic Acid for Soil and Plants
Importance and Benefits of Fulvic Acid for Soil and Plants
Importance and Benefits of Potassium Oxide (K2O) for Soil and Plants
Benefits of Combining Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, and Potassium Oxide
References

Introduction

With the growing challenges facing modern agriculture, such as declining soil fertility, water scarcity, and increasing salinity levels, there is a pressing need for advanced solutions to enhance agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner. Ugarit Humic is one such effective solution, containing 30% Humic and Fulvic Acids and 15% Potassium Oxide (K2O), making it an ideal choice for improving soil quality and promoting plant growth.

Humic and fulvic acids enhance the physical and chemical properties of the soil by improving water retention, increasing nutrient absorption, and stimulating root development. They also play a key role in mitigating environmental stresses such as drought and salinity. On the other hand, potassium oxide is essential for activating enzymatic processes in plants, contributing to better fruit quality and increased productivity.

What sets Ugarit Humic apart is the synergistic interaction between its components. The functional groups in Humic Acid (-COOH and -OH) help stabilize potassium and prevent its leaching, while Fulvic Acid enhances its absorption by roots and leaves, ensuring maximum nutrient utilization by the plant.

Research Objectives

This study aims to analyze the agricultural efficiency of this combined fertilizer formulation, specifically its impact on:

Enhancing soil fertility and improving its water and nutrient retention capacity.
Boosting plant physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and chlorophyll production.
Increasing crop resistance to abiotic stresses, including drought and salinity.

Humic Acid: Chemical Formula and Physical-Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula

Empirical Formula (Approximate):
C35H30O10N2 (varies by source).
Molecular Structure:
- Contains multiple aromatic rings.
- Includes active functional groups:
  - Carboxyl (-COOH)
  - Hydroxyl (-OH)
  - Methoxy (-OCH3)
  - Amino (-NH2)

Physical Properties

Property	Description
Appearance	Dark brown to black powder
Solubility	Insoluble in acids but dissolves in alkaline solutions
Density	~1.4 g/cm³
Molecular Weight	Very high (between 10,000 and 100,000 Daltons)
Thermal Stability	Decomposes at temperatures above 200°C

Chemical Properties

Property	Description
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)	Very high (100-300 meq/100g)
Chelation	Binds with heavy metals and micronutrients
Interaction with Fertilizers	Enhances nutrient uptake, such as potassium and nitrogen
Effect on Soil pH	Acts as a pH buffer
Water Interaction	Absorbs water and forms gels that improve soil structure

Approximate Elemental Composition

Element	Percentage (%)
Carbon (C)	50–60%
Oxygen (O)	30–35%
Hydrogen (H)	4–6%
Nitrogen (N)	2–4%
Sulfur (S) & Phosphorus (P)	<1%

Factors Affecting Its Properties

Extraction Method: The use of potassium or sodium salts.
Degree of Decomposition: Higher decomposition increases active functional groups.
Organic Matter Source.

Agricultural Applications Based on Its Properties

Improving Sandy Soils: Enhances water and nutrient retention.
Fertilizer Stabilization: Reduces leaching and volatilization losses.
Heavy Metal Detoxification: Reduces aluminum toxicity in acidic soils.

Fulvic Acid: Chemical Formula, Physical and Chemical Properties

1. Chemical Formula

Fulvic Acid is a complex mixture of natural organic compounds, typically represented by the general formula C14H12O8. However, its molecular composition varies depending on the extraction source and degree of polymerization. Some studies suggest alternative formulas such as C135H182O95N5S2, reflecting its diverse molecular structure. It contains multiple functional groups, including carboxyl (-COOH) and phenol (-OH), which contribute to its unique chemical properties.

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Yellow to light brown powder.
Melting Point: 246°C (decomposes).
Density: ~1.79 g/cm³.
Solubility: Soluble in water across all pH levels (acidic, neutral, and alkaline), as well as in methanol and chloroform.
Low Molecular Weight: Allows easy absorption through plant cell membranes.

Chemical Properties:

Chelation Ability:
- Binds with minerals (such as iron, zinc, copper, and calcium) to convert them into bioavailable forms.
- Enhances nutrient availability in calcareous and saline soils.
Functional Groups:
- Contains carboxyl (-COOH) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups, providing negative charges that improve ion exchange capacity.
- Increases soil cation exchange capacity (CEC).
Effect on pH:
- Acts as a pH buffer, maintaining soil chemical balance.
Water Interaction:
- Improves soil structure by forming gel-like substances that enhance aeration and water retention.
Impact on Microorganisms:
- Stimulates beneficial bacteria and fungi, promoting biological activity in the soil.

3. Agricultural Applications

Soil Salinity Management:
- Breaks down excess salts (e.g., sodium salts) and facilitates leaching.
Nutrient Absorption Enhancement:
- Increases the availability of iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus.
Stress Resistance Boost:
- Raises osmotic pressure inside plants, helping them withstand drought and salinity.
Root Growth Stimulation:
- Activates the production of auxins (growth hormones) and accelerates seed germination.

Importance and Benefits of Humic Acid for Soil and Plants

Enhancing Seed Germination:
- Used for seed soaking to stimulate germination and strengthen seedlings.
Promoting Root Growth:
- Activates the production of natural auxins, aiding in root development (at a ratio of 1 kg/10 L water).
Improving Nutrient Availability:
- Increases the availability of micronutrients (iron, zinc) and macronutrients (phosphorus, calcium).
Combating Soil Salinity:
- Chelates excess salts (such as sodium) and reduces their harmful effects on plants.
Enhancing Soil Quality:
- Boosts beneficial microbial diversity (e.g., phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) and reduces pathogenic microbes.
Reducing Toxicity:
- Binds heavy metals, preventing their absorption by plants.
Increasing Yield:
- In a study on peanuts, yield increased by 78% after three years of humic acid application.

Importance and Benefits of Fulvic Acid for Soil and Plants

Enhancing Nutrient Absorption:
- Forms complexes with micronutrients (iron, zinc) and macronutrients (calcium), increasing their solubility and reducing fixation in the soil.
- Facilitates direct nutrient transport to plant roots through simple diffusion or active transport.
Promoting Plant Growth:
- Stimulates the production of plant hormones (such as auxins), enhancing root and root hair formation.
- Improves photosynthesis efficiency by increasing cell membrane permeability.
Improving Stress Resistance:
- Reduces salinity effects by breaking down sodium and improving calcium absorption.
- Enhances plant tolerance to drought by increasing osmotic pressure within cells.
Enhancing Soil Properties:
- Improves soil aeration and reduces compaction, especially in heavy clay soils.
- Activates beneficial soil microbes, supporting biogeochemical cycles.
Application Methods:
- Foliar Spray: Applied as a foliar spray for rapid absorption.
- Soil Application: Combined with humic acid (1:1 ratio) to maximize benefits.

Importance and Benefits of Potassium Oxide (K2O)

Boosting Yield:
- Essential for cell wall formation and increasing fruit size.
Enhancing Stress Resistance:
- Reduces the impact of drought and salinity on plants.
Activating Enzymes:
- Plays a key role in photosynthesis and protein synthesis.

Benefits of Combining Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, and Potassium Oxide

Chelation Synergy:
- Humic acid binds to positive ions (iron, potassium), while fulvic acid binds to negative ions (phosphate), improving fertilizer efficiency.
Enhanced Fertilizer Efficiency:
- Reduces nutrient leaching and volatilization, particularly in sandy soils.
Improved Stress Resistance:
- Enhances water and nutrient uptake in saline or dry soils.
Increased Yield:
- Studies on corn and millet showed a 12–30% yield increase when combining these components.