How does humic acid affect the soil structure?

1. Aggregation: Humic acid acts as a binding agent, promoting the formation of soil aggregates. These aggregates are formed when individual soil particles bind together, creating larger, more stable structures. The presence of humic acid enhances the formation and stability of these aggregates, improving soil structure.

2. Porosity: Humic acid helps to create and maintain pore spaces within the soil. These pores allow for better air and water movement, as well as root penetration. By improving soil porosity, humic acid enhances the soil’s ability to retain and drain water, as well as provide adequate oxygen to plant roots.

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3. Soil crusting prevention: Humic acid helps to prevent soil crusting, which occurs when the surface of the soil becomes compacted and forms a hard crust. This crust impedes water infiltration and root growth. Humic acid improves soil structure by preventing the formation of soil crusts, allowing for better water penetration and root development.

How does humic acid affect water-holding capacity?

1. Increased water holding capacity: Humic acid has the ability to hold and retain water within its structure. When applied to soil, it acts as a sponge, absorbing and retaining water molecules. This increases the soil’s water-holding capacity, ensuring that plants have access to water during dry periods.

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2. Reduced water loss through evaporation: Humic acid forms a thin film on the soil surface, which acts as a barrier against water evaporation. This film reduces the rate at which water is lost to the atmosphere, allowing the soil to retain moisture for longer periods. By minimizing water loss through evaporation, humic acid helps to maintain adequate soil moisture levels.

3. Improved water infiltration: Humic acid improves soil structure, as mentioned earlier. This enhanced soil structure allows for better water infiltration, preventing water runoff and ensuring that water is absorbed into the soil. Improved water infiltration increases the soil’s water-holding capacity by allowing water to penetrate deeper into the soil profile.

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In summary, humic acid positively influences soil structure by promoting aggregation, improving porosity, and preventing soil crusting. It also enhances the water-holding capacity of soil by increasing water retention, reducing evaporation, and improving water infiltration.

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