Alberta, as well as the rest of Western Canada, has been facing increasingly higher temperatures during the summer months (as well as an El Niño winter), posing a challenge for farmers when it comes to crop yield and resilience. Dry soil, intense winds such as those experienced in the southern part of the province and a wide range of other environmental factors can severely affect nutrient retention and absorption.
Applying a soil amender like humic acid is one of the best ways to safeguard nutrient vitality and enhance the effects of fertilizers, protecting your crops and giving them the boost they need to prosper all season long. At Norstar Agriculture, we’re here to help farmers ensure their land is ready to face shifting weather patterns and produce as efficiently as possible.
Below, we’ll examine how humic acid can be particularly beneficial during drought conditions. Read on to learn more!
Water Retention and Soil Structure
Unsurprisingly, one of the predominant challenges farmers face during dry spells is water retention and soil structure. Excessive heat can exacerbate existing nutrient issues and prevent plants from being able to absorb water and minerals as needed. Humic acid helps condition the soil and acts as a natural “sponge,” absorbing and retaining water by binding with soil particles to create clusters with better structure. This is essential to avoiding cracking, mud clumping, and other harsh conditions that can destroy root systems and lead to poor crop yields.
Humic acid plays a pivotal role in unlocking nutrients in the soil and keeping them accessible to plants. In times of drought and water scarcity, it can be even harder for crops to get the minerals they need from the soil, leading to wilting, burning, and other damage. Humic acid chelates essential nutrients, creating complexes that are readily absorbed by plant roots. This nutrient boost helps plants thrive in adverse conditions and helps to protect the overall vitality of your soil for years to come.
Plant Resilience
Environmental stressors can be detrimental to plants, but drought conditions can be particularly insidious. Dry, hot weather can effectively starve plants and take a toll on your crops’ overall health if they don’t have the right nutrients for fortification. Humic acid plays a key role in stress alleviation by enhancing the synthesis of osmoprotectants (small molecules that act to help organisms survive under extreme saline conditions) and antioxidants, both of which aid in cell wall fortification and overall plant wellness. The boost provided by humic acid can help to greatly increase resilience and help prevent mass losses for farmers in less than ideal growing conditions.
Microbial Activity and Soil Health
In the simplest of terms, regardless of weather conditions, your crop yield will only ever be as good as your soil conditions. Soil health, however, becomes even more important when dealing with aggravating factors like heat and a lack of natural moisture. Humic acid acts as an effective stimulant for a plethora of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, both of which help with nutrient cycling and soil structure. Soils that are rich in biological activity are more conducive to strong crop yields, and utilizing humic acid not only increases your production for a single season but lays the groundwork for long-term soil fertility and overall farm productivity.
pH Regulation
Finally, maintaining an appropriate PH level for your crops is essential for optimal yields. Droughts can lead to significant fluctuations in pH and can lead to alkaline or overly acidic conditions that are not conducive to health growth. Humic acid acts as a buffer for soil health by creating a more stable environment and nutrient base for plants. By preventing harsh soil conditions, you increase your chances for optimal crop production and long-term vitality.
Grow with Confidence with NorStar
As Canadian farmers face a challenging growing season in 2024, Norstar Agriculture is here to help you create the best foundation for your crop yield. Alongside a large inventory of fertilizing and plant nutrition supplies (including humic acid), we offer onsite agronomy evaluation, including soil testing and more. Learn how we can help you grow bycontacting our team today!
