K-Humate (Potassium Humate)
K-Humate is a soluble potassium humate: humic and fulvic acids carrying potassium, 15% potassium by weight. It dissolves fully in water for drenching and irrigation, or can be raked into topsoil, and is meant to be used alongside organic or mineral fertilisers.
At a glance
- Type: amendment, soluble humate (potassium humate)
- Supplier certificate on file: AsureQuality certificate. See the certificate and its dates.
- Analysis: NPK = 0 - 0 - 15; potassium (K) 15.00%; potassium humate and fulvate 85 to 95%
- Use for: adding humic substances through irrigation or to topsoil, with other fertilisers
- Rate: 2 to 10 kg per hectare, which is 2 to 10 g per 10 square metres
- Certification: AsureQuality Organic Input for Organics, licence 1163 (certificate on file)
What it is
K-Humate is 100% soluble humic acid, suitable for all soil types and irrigation systems. It can be applied as a solution, or scattered and raked into topsoil. The supplier recommends using it with organic or mineral fertilisers rather than on its own.
What it does
- Humic substances are the dark, stable fraction of soil organic matter. Humic and fulvic acids are chelators. A chelator is a molecule that wraps around a metal ion, such as iron or zinc, and holds it in a soluble form, so the metal stays in solution instead of precipitating out of reach of the root.
- Across trials, humic substances lift plant growth by about a fifth on average, with wide swings between trials. Most of those trials were in pots; field results range from gains to no change. They help most in low organic matter, sandy or saline soils and least in compost rich soil.
- Growers use K-Humate for its humic acids, not as a potassium fertiliser: 10 g per 10 square metres brings 1.5 g of potassium.
Analysis
Supplier figures (no laboratory certificate of analysis is on file for the potassium figure):
- NPK = 0 - 0 - 15
- Potassium (K): 15.00% (more than 15% potassium by weight)
- Potassium humate and fulvate: 85 to 95%
How to use
- 2 to 10 kg per hectare, which is 2 to 10 g per 10 square metres.
- Dissolve in water for irrigation or drenching, or scatter and rake into the topsoil.
- When dissolving it for mixing with other fertilisers, test for compatibility first with a small batch in a jar.
- The pH of the solution should not drop below 6.0.
Watch out
- Humates drop out of solution in acid mixes. If the pH of a tank mix falls below 6.0 the humate can precipitate, so jar test before mixing with acidic fertilisers.
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Handling and storage
- Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open in a well ventilated area.
- Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
- Once opened, keep sealed and dry.
- If ingested, or if the product comes into contact with eyes or skin irritation is present, rinse the area well and call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).
Shipping and returns
We ship nationwide across New Zealand. Orders are usually dispatched within 1 to 2 business days and rural delivery can take longer. Unopened products can be returned within 30 days.
