The ability of humate materials to decay is related to their solubility. In a soluble state they are subject to both chemical and biological modification. Humic acid fractions are soluble in alkaline conditions and precipitated in acid conditions. To preserve them it would be recommended to maintain them in a dried acid condition. For their activation, they would be solubilized and used in a slight acid condition which would allow solubility for their activity and used without prolonged time in the solubilized state.

This could basically because it shows gradual increase in negative charge due to dissociation of protons with increase in pH. However, they seem stable components of humus. Humic acids increase nutrient uptake through foliar and soil applications. They are also responsible to chelate harmful toxins (pesticides and heavy metals) in the soil as well. They further assist increased water retention, microbial growth and better soil structure holistically.

Thank you all for your time to kindly share your ideas. It is helpful and much appreciated ^^.

For Mr. Shubham Lamba

First, if I understand it correctly, do you mean the increase of solubility of HA in alkaline condition will lead to an increase of HA exposure to O2, thus enhancing the oxidization of HA?

Second, I do not fully understand the relevance of CEC to HA oxidization (probably because I do not have much knowledge about it). Is it possible for you to elaborate it a bit ? (one or two articles will also be great!):)

Thanks again for all your kind help!

Best,

Jiaoyi

Mr. Shubham Lamba

Best,

Jiaoyi

Humic and fulvic acids are soluble in alkaline media, whereas humic acid flocculates under acidic conditions. Humic substances are mixtures of natural organic substances showing distribution in mass and functional entities. Examples of different functional entities are aromatics, aliphatics, phenolics, and quinones (Gaffney et al., 1996).