Use of Commercial Humates in Agriculture

Dear Colleagues,

Humic substances are natural organic compounds, which are sourced from plants, peat, soil, and coals, such as lignite and leonardite. Humates are salts of humic acids, the most active component of humic substances, which are more soluble and, thus, more reactive in soil.

There is a range of humates available commercially for use in agriculture, e.g., potassium, calcium, boron, and sodium, usually used for the purposes of 1) increasing production on soils with heavy metal contamination, salinity, sodicity, extreme pH, low water content, adverse temperatures, and low organic matter; and 2) increasing the efficiency of inorganic fertilizers. However, there are few rigorous studies, which have investigated the effectiveness of commercial humates, and findings are variable. The industry relies largely on anecdotal case studies to promote these products to farmers. Given recent increased interest, it is timely to review current status and future opportunities for research and application of commercial humates in agriculture.

We take this opportunity to welcome the submission of research articles, and communications on this topic with particular reference to abiotic stress tolerance.

Dr. Yusuf Genc
Dr. Graham Lyons
Guest Editors

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