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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 crop production, does not show toxicity, does not have cumulative properties and mutagenicity.
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 has been used since 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 intestine processes it and turns 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 him, because in dry form, due to low solubility, he is poorly bred.
When buying a stimulant, you should beware of fakes. It is better to give preference to proven and popular brands: Weaving, August, BioMaster.
Composition of the fertilizer 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. From heavy metals, cadmium and lead are present. The composition of the dry powder includes phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, potassium, magnesium and trace elements (molybdenum, copper, zinc, cobalt). Also “Sodium Humate” contains proteins, carbohydrates and tannins. Because the fertilizer has a high pH, it is not recommended for use in alkaline soils. Under the influence of the concentrate, the immunity of plants increases, their resistance to various diseases, a sharp drop in temperature and drought, and the number of shoots increases. Judging by the instructions for use, “Sodium Humate” is useful for trees, vegetables, berry bushes, is able to stimulate their growth and development. Prevents premature fall of foliage and ovaries.
Dry fertilizer is poorly soluble in water.
Form of issue
“Sodium humate” goes on sale in dry (powder, granules) and liquid form, less often in the form of a gel and paste. Considering its application, it should be noted that initially it is a loose 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 a fertilizer for indoor plants, when you need a little substance that will be consumed slowly and gradually.
The dry concentrate is convenient in that it can be applied to the soil both in diluted and loose form. Usually used in fields and large farmland. Dry “Gumat” accelerates the development of microflora in the soil and contributes to the formation of good humus. Its incorporation into the ground is carried out in the fall. The drug is evenly distributed over the surface of the earth, then the site is dug up and watered. For convenience, the granules are mixed with sand.
The agent in the form of a gel or paste is diluted with water before use, which ultimately gives a large amount of fertilizer. According to the 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 yield 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.
- Increases the resistance of crops to drought and sudden changes in temperature.
- 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 tool, then an important rule in its application is the exact observance of the instructions. In case of an overdose, it is possible to disrupt the growth of the root system, oversaturate the soil with humic compounds, provoke yellowing and falling of plant leaves. In order for the fertilizer to be useful, it is applied strictly in certain phases of growth.
Plants must 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 are watered with soil or buried in the ground. The 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
In order for the planting material to have more friendly shoots, be strong, with an evenly 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. preparation and 1000 ml of water, then dry well.
For seedlings
The instructions for use of sodium humate for seedlings of cucumbers and tomatoes, seedlings, trees state that a useful solution is prepared from 1 tbsp. l. substances and 10 liters of warm (+50 °C) water. This liquid is recommended to water plants during planting, during flowering and budding. After transplanting seedlings into open ground, during the adaptation period, half a liter of solution is introduced into the ground, 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 the 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” is allowed to be used for soil detoxification
Precautions when working with sodium humate
The instructions for the use of sodium humate powder say that before you start treating plants with this fertilizer, you need to take care of personal protective equipment. It is recommended to work in rubber gloves, at this moment you can not eat, drink and smoke. In case of contact with the drug on the mucous membranes, it is necessary to rinse them with plenty of cool clean water. In case of poisoning, it is recommended to do a gastric lavage and drink a few tablets of activated charcoal.
“Sodium humate” is undesirable to use in conjunction with calcium nitrate, superphosphates and phosphorus flour.
Terms and conditions of storage of sodium humate
Liquid “Sodium Humate” has a limited shelf life, which is only 30 days. During this time, the solution should be kept in a dark container, in a cool, dry room that does not let light in, out of the reach of children, separately from medicines and food.
The powder form of fertilizer should be stored in a dark place at a temperature not lower than -5 °C, up to 5 years.
Fertilizer is not recommended for use on alkaline soils.
Conclusion
Sodium humate is a fertilizer that is an indispensable component for the garden. When using it, the growth, development and presentation of plants are significantly improved, and the yield increases. After planting seedlings in the ground, all sprouts quickly take root and bloom.
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