Potassium humate is the potassium salt of humic acid. It contains a mixture of organic acids, including humic acids, fulvic acids, and ulmic acids. The key components of potassium humate include:
- Humic acids – These are large, complex molecules formed by the breakdown of organic matter. They contain carboxyl and phenolate groups that can bind positively charged nutrients like potassium.
- Fulvic acids – Smaller molecules than humic acids, also formed by decomposition of organic matter. They are more soluble and mobile than humic acids.
- Ulmic acids – The most soluble fraction of humic substances, containing many carboxyl groups.
- Potassium – A key plant nutrient that is bound to the humic and fulvic acid molecules in potassium humate. This aids in potassium availability for plant uptake.
- Trace elements – Humic substances can also bind micronutrients like iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Potassium humate can help deliver these to plants.
- Organic carbon – Humic acids contain carbon in their complex ring structures. This can help improve soil carbon levels.
So in summary, potassium humate contains a mixture of organic acids that can increase soil fertility by improving nutrient availability, moisture retention, and microbial activity in the soil. The potassium component serves as a carrier for the humic acids.