Our company has been conducting an international comprehensive study and practical research in the field of exposure and increasing the efficiency of humic substances use in agriculture for 5 years. As a result, there has been created a unique technology (WO2015 / 163785, WIPO) for the production of ProtoHumiX® (European Trade Mark № 017182429, EUIPO) – a liquid humic amino acid complex for agricultural machinery that allows to achieve significant results in the following areas:
Humic substances are complex mixtures of high-molecular organic compounds of natural origin, which are in the relation of constant interaction and interdependence with all fertility actors. The main biological effect on microorganisms and higher plants is exerted by free active water-soluble humic and Fulvic acids, hymatomelanic and ulminic acids that function at the cellular level.
The need for environmental safety of mankind on the planet determines not only the production dynamics, but also the food products structure. In recent years the world agricultural production has been experiencing a significant increase in the share of food products produced without the use of mineral fertilizers or with the limitation of their use. There is also a certain tendency to refuse from food of animal origin, the receipt of which is associated with the use of antibiotics and biostimulants.
Technologies with the use of humates are a well-known, well-proven and already utilized alternative to relatively well-established agricultural production technologies.
Due to their biological activity, humic substances (HS) are used as either plant growth stimulators or micronutrient fertilizers. HS are successfully used as structure formers and soil ameliorants. Moreover, they boost the activity of soil microorganisms.
HS can be used as detoxifying agents in contaminated areas. HS are also used as nonspecific adaptogens and biogenic stimulants in medicine and as enterosorbents in veterinary medicine. What is more, Humic acids (HA) are effectively used in animal breeding, poultry farming and fish farming as well.
The production of useful humic substances is being developed in two directions – obtaining ballast and ballastless commercial products. Ballastless humates are often called PREPARATIONS or growth stimulants, while ballast humates are called FERTILIZERS; that is because of various methods of their use and dosages.
In the process of the ballast humates production, humic substances are not separated from the raw materials – coal or peat-moss masses. They are used in relatively high doses which are comparable to the generally accepted doses of traditional organic fertilizers (the usual doses are 0.25-5 t/ha but they may be higher). Moreover, in a number of cases the production of such FERTILIZERS includes their enrichment with nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, microelements) during their treatment with chemical reagents.
The use of humic substances in the form of preparations is a pre-sowing treatment of seeds and/or feeding of plants. Ballast humic fertilizers combine some properties of traditional organic fertilizers and traditional humic preparations. Like the latter, humic ballast fertilizers have significant physiological activity but at the same time they have a noticeable recultivating effect on the soil: they improve its structural state and water and physical properties, contribute to the growth of nitrification capacity and increase of the phosphorus compounds mobility.
Selling the crop from their field, the peasants sell the field as such. An agrochemist should help the farmer reclaim his field by saturating it with nutrients that were removed from the soil along with the harvest. Humates cope with this task in the best way.
Humates are water-soluble salts of Humic acids (usually sodium or potassium salts), a general name for a group of acids (aromatic and aliphatic), usually mixed in humus.
Natural Humic acids contain more than 60 macro- and microelements necessary for the vital activity of plant and animal organisms.
They are formed both naturally in the soil and as a result of the technological production process of natural raw materials processing.
The best type of raw materials for obtaining Humic acids is brown coals (leonardites), the world reserves of which are enormous. Therefore, it is possible to talk about the use of almost unlimited resources of minerals in agriculture, while they are nowadays partially applied only in the energy sector.
The use of humates in crop production accelerates the germination of seeds, promotes the development of a powerful root system of plants, increases the efficiency of the absorption of minerals by plants, provides an increase in yield by 25-40 % and a reduction in ripening times, improves the quality of grown products, prevents excessive accumulation of nitrates in root crops, binds the products of technogenic pollution (compounds of mercury, lead, pesticides, radionuclides, etc.) and prevents their entry from the soil into the plant and as a result ensures the ecological purity of products, increasing the content of sugars and vitamins in it, reduces the consumption of pesticides, herbicides and mineral fertilizers when growing agricultural products, provides increased stress resistance of plants under the conditions of the lack of moisture and frost.
The use of humates in animal breeding and poultry farming leads to a decrease in the incidence and mortality of animals and poultry, an increase in the lactation of cows, a decrease in the incidence of mastitis, an increase in weight gain and a reduction in the period of fattening, an increase in egg production, a significant reduction in the use of growth stimulants and antibiotics. The use of humates also allows to reduce the amount of ammonia generated by animals (through the improvement of the gastrointestinal biota of animals and poultry), what improves the conditions for keeping animals and poultry, reduces the need for air ventilation and heat loss in winter.
The first sign of soil fertility is a high percentage of humus content.
However, soil fertility depends not only on the introduction of minerals, but is determined by a number of the following factors: the required content and availability for the assimilation of minerals by higher plants, good structure, absorbing complex and acid-base pH balance, optimum moisture content and its form, thermal regime and a favorable set of soil organisms as well.
Soil Humic acids are in the relations of interaction and interdependence with all factors of soil fertility. Thermodynamically, humic compounds belong to open systems, since in soil conditions they exchange energy and substance with their environment. The introduction of humic fertilizers into the soil contributes to the preservation of the soil-absorbing complex, increases the accumulation of nutrients in the soil – mobile phosphoric acid and nitrates (salts and esters of nitric acid, ammonium and some metals and, in particular, saltpeter).
One of the reasons for the positive effect of soluble humic fertilizers is the creation of more favorable conditions for the preservation of soil humus involved in the formation of the absorbing complex.
Numerous studies conducted by the scientists have shown that active humic substances increase the plants resistance to adverse environmental conditions, regardless of the acting factor.
An increase in nonspecific resistance to inhibitory environmental factors depends on cellular metabolism which is directed by energy processes, the synthesis of nucleic acids responsible for the transmission of both genetic information and the information concerning protein synthesis, and for the synthesis of protein-enzymes as well.
The vital factor in increasing the nonspecific plants resistance is the restructuring of metabolism with the subsequent use of products for the implementation of plant growth and development.
Unfavorable environmental conditions create for the plants stress conditions which may result in the launch of an adaptation syndrome – a passive resistance that is based on structural features determined by the genotype of this type of active resistance, based on the restructuring of cell metabolism and the whole organism, triggering self-regulation processes at all levels of the plant organism.
At the center of metabolism and all reparation processes that occur at the cellular level lies the protein-synthesizing system, which, according to the hereditary program, is responsible for the formation of the entire range of enzymes responsible for metabolism at different stages of the ontogenesis.
The inhibition of plant growth and development is a consequence of violations of this system. Physiologically active substances restore lesions by providing a positive effect on the thermodynamic state of the body. Ion-dispersed forms of these substances penetrate into the plant cells and, due to the quinoid and polyphenolic groups, enhance redox processes. What is more, Humic acid molecules have electron-donor properties used by the cell for the electron transport chain, enhancing respiration and photosynthesis, as a result of which cells get an additional source of energy, which in the process of self-realization is used by them to enhance the synthesis of nucleic acids, thus causing the acceleration of the protein-enzymes and protein-constituents formation.
Thus, under normal conditions, it leads to the stimulation of growth and development, and under unfavorable conditions – to accelerated recovery.
The implementation of genetic information, which, in its turn, is started by specific substances – triggers, is responsible for the launch of the protein synthesis system. It has been revealed through the experiments that the physiologically active forms of Humic acids have trigger properties. Thus, the physiological forms of Humic acids contribute to the triggering of the protein synthesis system that responds to unfavorable growing conditions.
The degree of substances penetration into the plants is influenced by both the magnitude of the molecular weight and the biological characteristics of the plants. There have been conducted investigations of the possibility of humic substances penetration into the plant cells – their main organelles: nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts.
To study this, short-term micro-vegetation experiments were carried out. The experiments involved treatment of the plant seeds which were subsequently germinated in solutions completely carbon-labeled with Humic acids.
With the aim of the aseptic conditions creation, antibiotics were added to the root feeding environment. Firstly, there was excluded a mechanical contamination of the obtained seedlings with a radioactive label, and then the radioactivity was determined with a liquid scintillation counter.
It was experimentally found that the labeled carbon entered the nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts in an organic state. The conducted experiments showed the possibility of humic substances entering the organs of plants that are free from peripheral, easily detachable fragments.
Data on the cells content in organelles allow to state that humic substances can penetrate not only into individual plant organs, but also into the cells, reaching their most important organelles.
Diverse global experience in soil, sand and water crops has shown that Humic acids have a stimulating effect on higher plants.
This property of Humic acids depends on a number of conditions: the property of specific Humic acids and their amount, biological characteristics of plants, the environment and other factors.
The effect of humic fertilizers on the vital activity of higher plants is determined not by the presence of phytohormones and similar substances, but by the influence of the acid itself.
The scientists have proved that the combination of humic and Fulvic acids in the correct ratio helps to improve plant growth, enhance physiological and biochemical processes in their cells and increase the productivity of the grown crops.
The studies show that Humic acids have a stimulating effect on root respiration, they also slow down the release of water, thus maintaining the appropriate degree of plasma colloids hydration, while Fulvic acids reduce plasma viscosity, making it more mobile.
Humic acids lengthen, and Fulvic acids lengthen and expand the cells of the root system. The presence of functional groups in Humic acids determines their properties: the tendency to redox reactions, complexing ability and participation in ion exchange reactions.
The data obtained in vegetation experiments show that humic substances improve germination, which becomes friendlier, affect the growth and development of plants – earlier appearance of the first pair of true leaves, experimental plants are distinguished by a more powerful leaf apparatus, dark green color and a thickened stem, while Fulvic acids accelerate plant growth.
The reason for the stimulating effect of Humic acid is the presence in its molecule of groups of polyphenolic and quinoid character that are used by plants to enhance the phenolase oxidative system, which generally results in the activation of respiration and metabolism.
At the same time it has been found that plants grown on Humic acid have a more active peroxidase. Additionally, the physiological effect of humic substances on a plant is connected with the presence of oxyquinones inside them, which accentuate hydrogen during the oxidation of substances in plant tissues.
It has been experimentally established that Humic acid enhances the phenolase enzymatic system where the terminal oxidase is a polyphenol oxidase which activates oxygen exchange.
Physiologically active substances of Humic acids are associated with its organic, not mineral part. The stimulating effect of Humic acids on the growth and development of plants is based on their effect on oxidative metabolism and, as a result, on an increase in the energy potential of the plant organism and the strengthening of the enzymatic apparatus of the cell.
Due to the structure complexity, there is a uniquely wide range of interactions that humic substances can enter.
The availability of such groups as carboxyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl in combination with aromatic structures allow Humic acids to enter into ionic and donor-acceptor interactions, form hydrogen bonds, actively participate in sorption processes, bind water well, form complexes with metals and adducts with various classes of organic compounds.
The modifying effects of humates can also be assessed by the intensity of seed germination, the growth of roots and stems, and the establishment and growth of lateral roots as well.
In the course of the experiments, plant seeds were irradiated with doses of 1000 r/h and 4000 r/h of the RUM 17 X-ray apparatus that resulted in a considerable suppression of seed germination. Soaking seeds in a humate solution intensifies recovery processes in irradiated seeds, which is reflected in their faster germination in the first days.
Moreover, the higher the radiation dose, the higher the effectiveness of the radio-protective action of humate.
The protective function of HS is based on binding metal ions and organic ecotoxicants into strong complexes which entails a change in their forms of existence, a decrease in their bioavailability and toxicity.
Physiologically active substances of humic substances trigger protein synthesis systems of plants, preventing plant toxicosis, one of the reasons for which is pesticides which not only enter plants, but also accumulate in agricultural products. Fighting for homeostasis, the plant must get rid of them through the decomposition to non-toxic products. Moreover, humic preparations are not xenobiotics, i.e., their use does not harm the environment.
Experimental studies show that organic fertilizers contribute to the accumulation of nitrogenous compounds in the soil, while the use of mineral fertilizers results in their destruction.
The role of humic compounds in the mineral nutrition of higher plants is not limited only to the regulation of the concentration of mineral compounds that enter the plants.
Ash constituents, including phosphorus, are effectively used by higher plants in the form of mineral-humic compounds. Along with the zymogenic microflora existing in the soil, which decomposes fresh organic matter, the work of autochthonous microflora is very important for the life of higher plants.
As a result of its activity, nitrogen and phosphorus become available for assimilation. These components can be found in the soil in large quantities, but at the same time they are difficult to assimilate. The application of humic fertilizers to the soil improves the minerals absorption, thereby reducing the amount of applied fertilizers by up to 30 %.
Experiments on the joint use of physiologically active substances with mineral fertilizers has shown that the joint application of nitrogen fertilizers with humic substances combined two most important indicators of the yield – high productivity and improved quality of grown products.
In the course of our researches, it has been established that Humic acids, being a growth stimulant, activate the course of physiological processes such as respiration rate, chlorophyll content, and the rate of photosynthesis which contributes to better assimilation of mineral food.
Under the influence of humic fertilizers, the yield and the content of the most important substances in the grown products increase. Along with the stated above positive factors of HS impact, it is especially important for the producer to increase the yield which depends on many different factors.
When conducting a joint research, we ask you to follow our recommendations for processing products accurately and timely, since it will increase yields, and, consequently, the profitability of growing up to 100 %.
ProtoHumiX® is fundamentally different from other supplements produced in the sphere of humic preparations in such properties:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Dilute 1 liter of the preparation in the required number of liters of water or a disinfectant to soak the number of seeds required for sowing 1 hectare of the crop. Soak the seeds for 12-16 hours.
ОTreatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Dilute 2 liters of the preparation in the required number of liters of water or a disinfectant to soak the number of seeds required for sowing 1 hectare of the crop. Soak the seeds for 12-16 hours.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Dilute 1.5 liters of the preparation in 10 liters of water or a disinfectant for soaking (for a period of 12-16 hours) 15-25 kg of seeds required for sowing 1 hectare of corn crops.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
The note on sowing corn: For medium early hybrids it amounts to 100 thousand grains per 1 hectare (approximately 70-80 grains per 10 m row) in the forest-steppe; up to 60 thousand grains per 1 hectare (approximately 35-40 grains per 10 m row) in the steppe zone; for early ripe hybrids it amounts to 80 thousand grains per 1 hectare (up to 55-60 grains per 10 m row). The consumption of corn seeds per 1 hectare of sowing ranges from 15 to 25 kg.
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Dilute 1.5 liters of the preparation in the required number of liters of water or a disinfectant to soak the number of seeds required for sowing 1 hectare of the crop. Soak the seeds for 12-16 hours.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Dilute 1 liter of the preparation in the required number of liters of water or a disinfectant to soak (for 12-16 hours) from 60 to 180 kg of seeds (depending on the sowing technology) required for sowing 1 hectare.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
The note on sowing soybeans: 200-240 thousand pieces are used for sowing 1 hectare of soybeans under moderately unfavorable conditions. 275-300 thousand pieces are used for sowing 1 hectare of soybeans under moderately favorable conditions. 300-325 thousand pieces are used so sowing 1 hectare of soybeans under favorable conditions. Seed consumption can vary from 60 to 180 kg per 1 hectare.
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Soak the seeds for 10-15 hours before planting. Dissolve 100 ml of the preparation in 1 liter of water to soak 1 kg of seeds.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): A working solution shall be prepared: 4 liters of the preparation shall be diluted in 1000 liters of water for irrigation of 1 hectare.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): A working solution shall be prepared: 5 liters of the preparation shall be diluted in 1000 liters of water for irrigation of 1 hectare.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Soak the seeds for 10-15 hours before planting. Dissolve 100 ml of the preparation in 1 liter of water to soak 1 kg of seeds.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Soak the seeds for 10-15 hours before planting. Dissolve 100 ml of the preparation in 1 liter of water to soak 1 kg of seeds.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 ha): Soak the seeds for 10-15 hours before planting. Dissolve 100 ml of the preparation in 1 liter of water to soak 1 kg of seeds.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 hectare): Soak the seeds for 10-15 hours before planting. Dissolve 100 ml of the preparation in 1 liter of water to soak 1 kg of seeds.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 ha): Treat the tubers for 16-24 hours before planting. Dilute 3 liters of humate in the amount of water (with a disinfectant) required to soak 1 ton of tubers.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 ha): Soak the seeds for 16-24 hours before planting. Dissolve 100 ml of the preparation in 1 liter of water to soak 1 kg of seeds.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Pre-sowing seed treatment (for sowing 1 ha): Soak the seeds for 10-12 hours before planting. Dissolve 100 ml of the preparation in 1 liter of water to soak 1 kg of seeds.
Treatment (spraying) during the growing season:
Humates are natural organic substances that are formed in the soil in the form of water-soluble salts of Humic acids.
Humic preparations obtained by industrial methods contain higher concentrations of Humic acids and have a higher biological activity.
In recent years, there has begun a widespread use of these preparations in the field of animal breeding. It ensures with equal costs for feed, labor and, under the same conditions of animals keeping, an increase in meat production, reduction of the young animals mortality, an increase in the resistance of the animal organism.
Scientific experiments on the use of humic preparations as feed additives date back to the 60s of the last century. Modern science has been able to prove the ability of humates to activate the growth and weight gain of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry, to contribute to a decrease in the incidence of illness and mortality of livestock and poultry, and to an increase in the resistance of their bodies to unfavorable environmental conditions, as well as to toxins that may be contained in feed.
In addition, salts of Humic acids (humic, ulminic, himatomelanic and especially fulvic) ensure the ecological purity of products against the background of nitrate, herbicide and pesticide pollution of the environment and against the background of pollution with heavy metal compounds and ionizing radiation.
Adding ProtoHumiX® to the diet of animals increases the overall nutritional efficiency from 8 to 20 %. This effect can be explained by the fact that the use of humates increases the number of red blood cells in animals.
In the course of the experimental studies, diseases and deaths of animals fed with humic additives, as well as in the control groups, have not been observed. According to the degree of their toxicity, humic preparations can be classified as low-hazard substances, harmless to both animals and humans, they do not cause allergic reactions and have no carcinogenic properties, and thus, they can be widely used. The dose that causes a reliable clinical picture of poisoning in 50 % of the studied poultry was 7.5 g per 1 kg of live weight, while the recommended rate was only 10-20 mg.
There is an extensive experimental material that has been accumulated around the world, proving the ability of humates to lead to acceleration in the growth of animals, a decrease in disease and mortality rates, an increase in the resistance of their organism to unfavorable environmental conditions, as well as to residual toxins in feed. As a result, there is an increase in animal productivity.
ProtoHumiX® in animal breeding can be used as a feed additive or as an additive to the drinking water.
ProtoHumiX® has no allergenic, anaphylactogenic, teratogenic or embryotoxic properties. The study of embryonic toxicity of humates on 5 generations of white rats showed that humates have no toxic effect, do not affect reproductive functions, do not cause embryotoxicity and teratogenicity, but, on the contrary, enhance the growth and development of animals and increase the number of offspring in the 4th and 5th generations.
Humic salts are an activator and a reducing agent of the gastrointestinal biota of animals and birds. Pathogenic microorganisms and putrefactive bacteria slow down their reproduction which reduces the amount of produced ammonia.
This changes the general well-being of animals and birds, reduces the toxic load of ammonia on them and improves their health. Ammonia concentration decreases in livestock buildings and it causes a positive effect on the general well-being of animals, birds and staff as well.
Activation of the gastrointestinal biota of animals and birds creates an ergotropic effect, which contributes to a better absorption of nutrients and thus to an increase in the efficiency of feed usage. It consequently leads to an increase in live weight of animals without increasing the amount of feed in their diet.
Humic salts affect the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates of bacteria by catalyzing it. This leads to direct accelerated destruction of bacterial or virus cells. Another antibacterial mechanism is associated with the formation of ionic bonds between high-molecular protein fragments (toxins) of infectious bacteria. Their toxic effect on the physiological processes of mucosal cells can be significantly weakened or completely neutralized.
External and oral application of humic salts contributes to a significant weakening of the inflammatory process.
Since high-molecular humic salts and acids are almost completely preserved in the gastrointestinal tract, reaching the small intestines, the antiresorptive and adsorption effects take place in the alimentary tract.
Primary cationic oxides of nitrogen (protein toxins, toxic substances) are fixed, their absorption is noticeably reduced or ceased completely, and their release with feces is accelerated.
Since the adsorption by humic (first of all, fulvic salts) acids includes not only physical and chemical interactions, but also the formation of chelate complexes, the process proceeds more intensively and dynamically in comparison with ordinary physical (coal) enterosorbents.
The macrocolloid structure of humic salts and acids provides good protection for the lining surface of the gastrointestinal tract, peripheral capillaries and affected mucosal cells. As a result, the absorption of toxic metabolites is weakened or completely stopped, especially after infectious diseases, in the presence of harmful compounds in the food of the animal or when switching to a new feed. In addition, humic salts and acids help prevent intestinal dehydration.
The general effect of humates on the immune system of animals and poultry is noted, which contributes to the successful treatment of the so-called «factorial diseases» of young animals.
1. Ergotropic effect of ProtoHumiX®.
Humates stabilize the intestinal flora, help to improve the absorption of nutrients, thereby improving feed efficiency. As a result, the live weight of animals increases without increasing the amount of feed in the diet.
2. ПSupporting the immune system with ProtoHumiX®.
Humic acids stimulate the body's defenses and enhance phagocytosis – a process in which blood cells and body tissues capture and digest infectious agents and dead cells. The immunostimulating effect of humates contributes to the successful treatment of mass factorial infectious diseases in young animals.
3. Protecting the intestines and mucous membranes of animals with ProtoHumiX®.
Substances of humates tend to form a film on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby protecting the body of animals from infections and toxins. Humates also protect peripheral capillaries and affected mucosal cells. At the same time, the absorption of toxic substances almost completely stops, what is especially important after infectious diseases of the animal, when there is a danger of harmful compounds in the feed or when switching to a new feed. Moreover, humates also have an astringent effect, thus preventing the loss of water through the intestines.
4. The adsorbing effect of ProtoHumiX® in the digestive tract
High-molecular substances of Humic acids are almost completely retained in the gastrointestinal tract, reaching the small intestine. They can have an adsorbing effect in the digestive tract of animals. Protein toxins and toxic substances bind, their absorption decreases noticeably or stops completely, their excretion with feces accelerates. The adsorption by humates includes not only physical and chemical interactions, but also the formation of complexes and ionic bonding, adsorption proceeds more intensively and dynamically than with the use of traditional physical adsorbents.
ProtoHumiX® is a prophylactic agent against rubella (aeromonosis) and branchial necrosis, antistress agent and immunomodulator.
ProtoHumiX® stimulates metabolic processes in the fish body by directly affecting the redox and renewable processes of the final transformation of nutrients (the Krebs cycle), which contributes to the accumulation of more proteins and fats in the fish body.
ProtoHumiX® increases the immune status of the body; it has bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity against a number of microorganisms, neutralizes pesticides in water, reduces pollution of water bodies and improves the quality of the aquatic environment.
ProtoHumiX® is added to water and combined feed.
The technology of ProtoHumiX® application: