With the 2025 growing season approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how to get your fields ready for success. Humic acid is a popular option, but like any soil amendment, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it may be tempting to grab the first humic product you find, there’s one essential question to consider. Should you go with liquid humic or granular humic?
Discover with Norstar Agriculture as we go over the considerations of liquid humic acid and granular humic. Read on and explore with us below.
Why Consider Humic?
Humic acid is a beneficial soil amendment that helps boost organic matter in the soil. It’s formed as microorganisms breaks down organic matter in the soil. Unlike other soil inputs, it’s not supposed to be used on its own. Instead, it works as a complement to other amendments—such as NPK fertilizers. Overall, humic acid is a nutrient catalyst, chelating essential minerals. Humic acid promotes the availability of several key nutrients—including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.
Introducing humic acid into soil with low organic matter is beneficial in more ways than one. Proper use increases biomass, facilitating productive growth and maturation of crops. Humic also improves soil structure by binding to soil molecules. This binding breaks up poorly compacted soil, increasing aeration for water retention.
Liquid vs. Granular Humic: What’s the Difference?
Agricultural humic acid is typically found in two forms: liquid humic acid and granular humic acid. Both are robust nutrient soil inputs that work to reintroduce microdiversity back into the soil. But both require different circumstances to work at their full potential.
Liquid humic works quicker than granular humic and is ideal for fast-acting results that can be seen in the same growing year. It quickly buffers certain nutrients within the soil, such as sodium and iron. When these levels are neutralized, it creates a hospitable environment for healthy microbial activity. It’s typically applied separately from other soil inputs with a standalone sprayer, though it can be mixed with some other soil amendments. It can also be applied in-furrow, inside the ground beside the seed, prior to germination.
Granular humic, on the other hand, is composed of solid pellet-sized particles. Due to its size and composition, it typically requires a higher pH soil to break down entirely. Granular humic has a strong microbial growth effect over time, but it’s not ideal for quick-acting nutrient availability. If you’re looking to utilize granular humic acid, we recommend using it in conjunction with liquid humic acid.
Why Norstar Focuses on Liquid Humic
At Norstar Agriculture, we offer our NOR-Hum liquid humic solution. Unlike some other humic amendments, NOR-Hum is entirely water-soluble. It doesn’t contain humins, which can plug water irrigation systems with large particles. If you’re looking for a quick-acting solution, liquid humic is your go-to. You can expect to see crop and soil health results within the first year of use. Our NOR-Hum solution has an application rate of approximately ~2-4 litres per acre.
Norstar Agriculture is also a certified Crop Aid Nutrition dealer, offering other high-quality soil amendments. Crop Aid Plus is an excellent addition to your field regimen. It offers humic acid-like benefits and acts as a catalyst for micronutrient activity using kelp, lignin, and other natural properties. Simply mix it in your other amendments and use it in a single pass.
Local Agriculture Consultancy, Your Way
We’re dedicated to providing comprehensive, scientifically sound agriculture solutions. Our knowledgeable team of travelling agronomists helps Canadian farmers throughout the prairies. Contact our team today to receive personalized care and get your fields ready for the growing season.
