Content
Sodium humate is a mineral and organic fertilizer considered to be 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 possess cumulative properties and mutagenicity.
The substance exhibits high immunostimulating and adaptogenic qualities
What is Sodium Humate
Sodium humate is called the 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 the banks and flooded a 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, since in dry form, due to its low solubility, it is poorly divorced.
When buying a stimulant, 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). Also in "Sodium humate" contains proteins, carbohydrates and tannins. Since the fertilizer has a high pH, it is not recommended for 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 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 gel and paste. Considering its application, it should be noted that initially it is a free-flowing substance that does not dissolve well in the soil. When used as a growth stimulant, it is better to give preference to the ready-made solution.
Liquid "Humates" are sold in dark bottles of different 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 because it can be applied to the soil both in diluted and loose form. Usually used in fields and large farmland. Dry "Humat" accelerates the development of microflora in the soil and contributes to 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 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. In terms of the method of use and effectiveness, preparations in this form are similar to a liquid concentrate.
Pros and cons of sodium humate
Using the drug on a personal plot has many advantages:
- Allows to reduce the dose of mineral fertilizers by 25%.
- Increases productivity up to 30%.
- Reduces chemical stress to 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 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 use is strict adherence to 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 need to be taught to sodium humate gradually
Instructions for the use of sodium humate
The drug is best absorbed by plants through their roots, therefore, they are more often watered with soil or embedded in the ground. The high efficiency of the substance is observed when used during seed treatment, for watering seedlings and as fertilizer for adult crops.
How to use sodium humate for seed treatment
In order for the planting material to have more friendly shoots, to be strong, with an evenly developing root system, gardeners often process 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
In the instructions for the use of sodium humate for seedlings of cucumbers and tomatoes, seedlings, trees, it is prescribed that a useful solution is prepared from 1 tbsp. l. substance and 10 liters of warm (+50 °C) water. It is recommended to water plants with this liquid when 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 useful substances.
"Sodium humate" can be used for soil detoxification
Precautions for Handling 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 with rubber gloves, at this moment you must not eat, drink or smoke. If the drug gets on the mucous membranes, rinse them abundantly with cool clean water. In case of poisoning, it is recommended to do a gastric lavage and drink a few tablets of activated carbon.
It is undesirable to use "sodium humate" together with calcium nitrate, superphosphates and phosphoric 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 stand in a dark container, in a cool, dry room that does not allow light to enter, out of the reach of children, separate from medicines and food.
The powder form of fertilizer must be stored in a dark place at a temperature not lower than -5 °C, for 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 a vegetable 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 the shoots quickly take root and bloom.
