Humus in well-structured soil produces high-quality plants. It is clear that management of organic matter and humus is essential to sustaining the whole soil ecosystem. The benefits of a topsoil rich in organic matter and humus are many. They include rapid decomposition of crop residues, granulation of soil into water-stable aggregates, decreased crusting and clodding, improved internal drainage, better water infiltration, and increased water and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic matter refers to the fraction of soil that is composed of both living organisms and once-living residues that are in various stages of decomposition. Humus is the end product of organic matter decomposition and is relatively stable. It is comprised of soluble organic acids such as humic, and fulvic. Humin is a carbon-rich portion of organic matter that is highly insoluble and resists rapid decomposition. In natural systems, a balance is reached between the amount of humus formation and the amount of humus decay.

Humic Acid provides an organic carbon material for nitrogen to complex with, thereby reducing leaching and loss of nitrogen and buffering the solution for more effective and efficient use.

Fulvic acids buffer soluble salt-based fertilizers, chelate mineral ions, and improve nutrient uptake by plants. Another common use for fulvic acid is to mix it with herbicides. Acidulation of a tank mix helps the effectiveness of the herbicide, chelating and improving the plants intake of the chemical. Application rates are from one pint to one gallon per acre, depending on the crop and on the amount and type of fertilizer and chemicals used.