Hi-Tech Humax

Introduction

Foliar Feeding with Fulvic Acid and Fugavic Acid

Agronomists are relying more and more on fulvic acids in their foliar applied nutrients for
improved nutrient uptake and plant growth during critical growth stages. Scientific research
indicates that fulvic acids help nutrient uptake of micronutrients thro ugh chelation~. Fulvic
acids can also speed up the active uptake process for macro -nutrients by as much as 34
percent3. Other research indicates that fulvic acid applied to the foliage increases the
chlorophyll density and respiration rate of plants6. Plan ts that have been sprayed with fulvic
acid have better drought tolerance and lower stomatal conductance7. Fulvic 6000 from Hi
Tech Humax Products is the most widely used and recommended fulvic acid product on the
market.

What is Fulvic Acid?

Fulvic is a kind of natural organize acid, Fulvic acid is one of many in peat and soil different
with Humic acid, (soluble in water at pH > 10). F.A group soluble even at pH < 7, in FA
group substance have low molecular – (it is soluble at pH < 4) called Fugavic acid (FgA),
which used as substance in improved plant growth during citical growth stage.

Why Apply a Foliar Fulvic?

Research indicates that fulvic acid enhances nutrient uptake and plant growth at 10 to 300
ppm in the soil solution, or in a foliar spray5. E arly in the season when plants are small these
levels of humic and fulvic acids can be achieved in the soil solution. Once the plant expands
its root system, however, maintaining such levels is not always practical. As the plant
develops a full canopy and extensive root system, the best way to promote better growth is
through foliar applied fulvic acids.

Often crops need an extra boost during the weeks following early bloom when fruit begins to
size. During these times the daily nutrient demand of a crop can outstrip the ability of the soil
to supply nutrients. Fulvic 6000 can provide extra help to the plants by improving nutrient
availability and uptake during such critical growth stages. It can also improve the drought
tolerance of the plants by reducing stomatal conductance. In a recent study on wheat,
stomatal conductance was reduced by 68% when foliar fulvic acids were applied. Yields were
greater in the treated area by 27% when subjected to drought stress during head formation7.

Foliar Spraying with Fulvic 6000

Apply Fulvic 6000 at 1000ml -1500ml per hectare. We suggest a total spray volume of 100
litres per hectare or more. Applications of over 100 litres per hectare need 2 litres per hectare.
This will supply approximately 100 to 300 ppm of fulvic acid to the foliage. Fulvic 6000 can
be applied by itself, or in combination with foliar nutrients. It is an excellent complement to
nitrogen, potash, iron or zinc foliar fertilizers. It can be applied with most fungicide products
as well.

As with all foliar nutrients we suggest that you jar test any mixes for compatibility before
making applications in the field. If precipitation occurs in a jar test we suggest that you
change the amount of foliar nutrients or add a complexing agent like citric acid, ED TA,
DTPA or potassium pyrophosphate. These complexing agents can help overcome any conflict
between the small amount of phosphoric acid in Fulvic 6000 and mineral micronutrients.

Please consult with your agronomist or supplier before applying Fulvic 6000 with fungicides
or pesticides.

References:
I) Chen, Y. and Aviad, 1., 1990. Effects of Humic Substances on Plant Growth. Chapter 7 in:
MacCarthy, et. a!., Humic Substances in So il and Crop Sciences: Selected Readings.
Ameiican Soc. of Agronomy, Inc., Madison Wisconsin

2) Chen, Y. and Stevenson, F.J. 1986. Soil organic matter interaction with trace elements. P.
73-116. In Y. Chen and Y. Avnimelech (Eds.) Martinus Nijhoff Publicat ions., Dordrecht.

3) Maggioni, A. et.aI., 1987. Action of soil humic matter on plant roots stimulation of ion
uptake and effects on magnesium and potassium ATPase activity. The Science of the Total
Environment, 62:355-363.

4) Nardi, 5., 1996, Biological Activity of Humus. Chapter 9 in: A. Piccolo (Ed.) Humic
Substances in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

5) Rauthan, B.S., and M. Shnitzer. 1981. Effects of fulvic acid on the growth and nutrient
content of cucumber (Cucumissativus) plants. Plan t Soil. 63:49 1-495.

6) Sladky, Z. 1959. The effect of extracted humus substances on growth of tomato plants.
BioI. Plant. 1:142-150

7) Xudan, X. 1986. The effect of foliar application of fulvic acid on water use, nutrient
uptake and wheat yield. Austr. J. Agnc. Res. 37:343-350.