Humates act as a biostimulate that raises soil carbon content, improves the living environment of beneficial microorganisms, stabilizes soil pH and binds pollutants. A desirable growing environment can be achieved with good porosity. Humates increase cation exchange capacity (CEC) and improving biological activity to achieve this. Disease resistance is a result of healthy roots and healthy cells through proper nutrient absorption. Orchards can now use less fertilizers by using humates as a form to effectively and efficiently uptake nutrients already occurring in the soil and in their fertilizer blends. Humates are becoming more rapidly used in the world of viticulture. The standards for organic viticulture require soil fertility to be restored by providing organic matter. To improve soil structure, soil biological activity and the ability of the plant to uptake nutrition and fight against environmental assault, humates are now being applied. Traditional, non-organic practices can lead to the degradation of the soil causing erosion which lessens the structure of the soils. The structure of soils is very important for vineyards, for example, vineyards on slopes or subject to heavy rainfalls. Humic acids create a loose soil structure in the clay-humus combination. The accumulation of humic substances in soils positively affects water holding capacity, temperature and pH range. Humic and Fulvic acids, improve nutrient availability (e.g. Fe, P) and resistance against soil-borne diseases.
Primary goals
- Improve root health and nutrient uptake
- Increase soil aggregation in permanent systems
- Enhance water efficiency and stress tolerance
- Support consistent yield and quality over time
Recommended products
- ✅ Fine-Ground Raw Dry Humate (soil building & root-zone conditioning)
- ✅ Fully Soluble Liquid Humate (fertigation & in-season support)
PRODUCT 1: Fine-Ground Raw Dry HumateS
Best for: Root-zone soil conditioning, orchard floor improvement, long-term soil health
Why fine dry humates excel in permanant crops
- Greater soil contact than pellets or coarse granules
- Faster biological interaction in the root zone
- Builds carbon where roots stay year after year
- Improves nutrient holding and water movement
Application Methods
- Soil banding (preferred)
- Side dressing
- Soil broadcasting
- Mechanical incorporation where feasible
Application RATES (DRY)
Recommended Rates (tree & vine)
SOIL BANDING / SIDE DRESSING
- Up to 160 lb per acre
When to use:
- Targeting the active root zone
- Working under drip or micro-sprinkler systems
- Improving efficiency without over-application
Soil Broadcasting
- Up to 320 lb per acre
When to use:
- Rebuilding orchard floor soils
- Addressing compaction or low organic matter
- Establishing long-term soil conditioning
“Permanent crops benefit from higher broadcast rates because roots remain in place year after year.”
PRODUCT 2: Fully Soluble Liquid Humate
Best for: Drip irrigation, fertigation, soil drench, foliar, aerial application
Why liquid humateS IS CRITICAL FOR TREES AND VINES
- True solubility = safe for drip systems
- Moves with irrigation water into root zone
- Excellent for split applications and stress periods
- Supports nutrient efficiency without salt buildup
Application Rates (Liquid)
💧 Standard Field Rate
- 1 gal liquid humate per acre
- Dilution: 1 gal concentrate → up to 100 gal water
💧Drip / Fertigation Application
Conservative Starting Program
- 0.25–0.5 gal liquid humate per acre per application
- 2–4 applications per season
- Total seasonal rate: 1–2 gal per acre
When to use:
- Bud break / root flush
- Pre-bloom
- Fruit set
- Mid-season stress (heat, salinity, water restriction)
Important Drip Safety Notes:
⚠️ Include prominently in app:
- Flush irrigation lines after injection
- Avoid in-line mixing with high-calcium products
- Perform compatibility testing before first use
General Application Rate (Non-Drip)
- 1 gal liquid humate per acre
- Dilution: 1 gal concentrate → up to 100 gal water
- Soil or foliar delivery depending on equipment
Recommended Programs
🔹Program A: Root-Zone Efficiency (Most Common)
Best for: Established orchards and vineyards focused on nutrient efficiency
Dry humate: Up to 160 lb/ac banded
Liquid humate: 0.25–0.5 gal/ac via drip (2–4x)
🔹Program B: Soil Rebuild / Orchard Floor
Best for: Older blocks, compacted soils, low OM
- Dry humate: Up to 320 lb/ac broadcast
- Liquid humate: 1 gal/ac seasonal follow-up
🔹 Program C: Liquid-Only (High Efficiency)
Best for: Drip-irrigated vineyards, limited labor, premium fruit systems
- Liquid humate: 1–2 gal/ac per season (split)
“Tree and vine crops are best managed on a per-acre basis rather than per-plant. Root systems overlap and irrigation distributes inputs by wetted soil area, not individual vines.”
Compatibility & MIXING
✔ Compatible with:
- Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
- Micronutrients
- Amino acids
- Biologicals (pH compatible)
⚠️ Avoid:
- Highly alkaline or high-salt mixes
- High-calcium injection without separation
FAQ
Q: Will humates stain fruit or leaves?
A: No when applied at recommended rates and proper dilution.
Q: Can this clog drip lines?
A: No. This product is fully soluble when used as directed.
Q: Is fine dry humate harder to apply than pellets?
A: It spreads differently, but it provides faster soil contact and root-zone interaction.