Mir M. Seyedbagheri, Zhongqi He, D. Olk
2012
Citations
1
Influential Citations
7
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal name not available for this finding
Abstract
Humic substances (HS – humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin) are a family of organic molecules made up of long carbon chains and numerous active functional groups, such as phenols and other aromatics. Humic substances play dynamic roles in soil physical, chemical, and biological functions essential to soil health and plant growth. This chapter reviews field trials conducted in the Western and Midwestern USA on the effects of application of commercial humic products on yields of potato and several other crops. Examination of these studies reveals that potato growth is more responsive to P fertilization and minimal soil fertility, but less responsive to N fertilization. Whereas some observations were not always consistent, the different soil properties and qualities of humic products from different supplies might have attributed to the inconsistencies. Thus, it is recommended that commercially available humic products be tested locally to determine benefits on potato and other crop production. Research on the impact of long-term humic application on potato production is especially needed, as little such information is currently available in the scientific literature for U.S. potato producing regions.