The Nuts & Bolts ofThe Nuts & Bolts of

Humus the Humic acidsHumus the Humic acids

Soil Food WebSoil Food Web

by Michael Martin Meléndrezby Michael Martin Meléndrez

How Humic Acid is Created How Humic Acid is Created HumusHumus is the commonis the common name used by most of us and it’s a term that lumps thename used by most of us and it’s a term that lumps theHumus Humus is the common is the common name used by most of us and it s a term that lumps the name used by most of us and it s a term that lumps the stable molecular acids called Humic acids together with the not fully decomposed stable molecular acids called Humic acids together with the not fully decomposed soil organic residue that is broken down into parts too small to identify it’s origins. soil organic residue that is broken down into parts too small to identify it’s origins. Together this conglomerate of Humic acids which are bioTogether this conglomerate of Humic acids which are bio--chemicals and the chemicals and the polymorphic Soil Organic Matter define polymorphic Soil Organic Matter define the presence the presence and sustainability of and sustainability of a top a top soil. soil. Soil Organic Matter has a calorie value and will rapidly decompose or cycle Soil Organic Matter has a calorie value and will rapidly decompose or cycle into Carbon dioxide while the Humic acids are not rapid cycling, have no calorie into Carbon dioxide while the Humic acids are not rapid cycling, have no calorie value and therefore will have a chemical half life measured in many decades if notvalue and therefore will have a chemical half life measured in many decades if notvalue and therefore will have a chemical half life measured in many decades if not value and therefore will have a chemical half life measured in many decades if not centuries. The term ‘Humic substances’ is often used interchangeably with Humic centuries. The term ‘Humic substances’ is often used interchangeably with Humic acids which addresses the most essential and long lasting carbon bank of acids which addresses the most essential and long lasting carbon bank of substances that has a true biosubstances that has a true bio--chemical benefit to a Soil’s Terrestrial Biosphere. chemical benefit to a Soil’s Terrestrial Biosphere. In In

t th i h f th b t f d i i h t il tt th i h f th b t f d i i h t il tnature the riches sources of these substances are found in a rich top soil, peat, nature the riches sources of these substances are found in a rich top soil, peat, lignite coal, and Leonardite and the lignite coal, and Leonardite and the HuHumate formations of NW New Mexico. mate formations of NW New Mexico.

Leonardite is a highly oxidized form of organic matter and is technically a lowLeonardite is a highly oxidized form of organic matter and is technically a lowLeonardite, is a highly oxidized form of organic matter, and is technically a low Leonardite, is a highly oxidized form of organic matter, and is technically a low rank coal between peat and subrank coal between peat and sub--bituminous. It was formed during a time of bituminous. It was formed during a time of ancient salt water inland seas while Humate was formed when that North Western ancient salt water inland seas while Humate was formed when that North Western region of New Mexico was thick in huge tropical carboniferous forests and fresh region of New Mexico was thick in huge tropical carboniferous forests and fresh g gg gwater inland swamps. water inland swamps.

How Humic Acid is How Humic Acid is Created Created -- continuedcontinuedAs stated in the previous slide, Humic acids have a definable molecular structureAs stated in the previous slide, Humic acids have a definable molecular structureAs stated in the previous slide, Humic acids have a definable molecular structure As stated in the previous slide, Humic acids have a definable molecular structure of which a fragment is illustrated below. of which a fragment is illustrated below. The Humic acids of soil are a product of soil chemistry of which the precursor to The Humic acids of soil are a product of soil chemistry of which the precursor to humus formation is protein. The Humic acids are not organic matter in the true humus formation is protein. The Humic acids are not organic matter in the true since as they have a definable molecular structure and are no longer since as they have a definable molecular structure and are no longer decomposing organic biomass such as rotting roots or compost. It can be said decomposing organic biomass such as rotting roots or compost. It can be said that the Humic acids are essential for a healthy and productive soil. that the Humic acids are essential for a healthy and productive soil. PartPart of the chemical structure of the Humic acids has been oxidized awayof the chemical structure of the Humic acids has been oxidized awayPart Part of the chemical structure of the Humic acids has been oxidized away of the chemical structure of the Humic acids has been oxidized away providing broken bonds which create places on the molecules where micronutrient providing broken bonds which create places on the molecules where micronutrient ions can be absorbed. The oxidized sites give the entire molecule a negative ions can be absorbed. The oxidized sites give the entire molecule a negative charge enabling it to absorb charge enabling it to absorb micronutrients. micronutrients. The organic structure of Humic acid is The organic structure of Humic acid is naturally oxidized, as shown by the asterisks, giving it a negative charge. Positive naturally oxidized, as shown by the asterisks, giving it a negative charge. Positive ions, attracted to broken bonds at the site of the oxidation, create sites for ions, attracted to broken bonds at the site of the oxidation, create sites for micronutrients and micronutrients and micromicro--flora flora to attach. to attach.

How Humus (Humic Acids) Work

Cla DisaggregationCla DisaggregationClay Disaggregation Clay Disaggregation Clay particles normally lay Clay particles normally lay together flat as shown buttogether flat as shown buttogether flat as shown, but together flat as shown, but having a negative charge having a negative charge will repelled each other.will repelled each other.will repelled each other. will repelled each other. When Salt (NaWhen Salt (Na++) is present ) is present in minor amounts, the clay in minor amounts, the clay , y, yplatelets will collapse. platelets will collapse.

Soils with high clay content can become so Soils with high clay content can become so So s t g c ay co te t ca beco e soSo s t g c ay co te t ca beco e sodense and compact that they may resist dense and compact that they may resist plant rooting because they lack good plant rooting because they lack good porosity with aerobic conditions needed by porosity with aerobic conditions needed by plant roots. This may happen for one of two plant roots. This may happen for one of two reasons: reasons: First, the salt in the soil has neutralized the First, the salt in the soil has neutralized the negative electrical charges which normally negative electrical charges which normally cause clay particles to repel each other.cause clay particles to repel each other.

Salt overload causes clay platelets to attract each otherSalt overload causes clay platelets to attract each other.. When anWhen anSalt overload causes clay platelets to attract each otherSalt overload causes clay platelets to attract each other.. When an When an excessive amount of salt is present, it neutralizes the negative electrical excessive amount of salt is present, it neutralizes the negative electrical charges that normally cause clay particles to repel each other. The charges that normally cause clay particles to repel each other. The platelets move closer together. This is called soil collapse, a condition platelets move closer together. This is called soil collapse, a condition p g p ,p g p ,seen in irrigated regions world wide, where soil salinity is a growing seen in irrigated regions world wide, where soil salinity is a growing problem. problem.

Clay compactionClay compaction

The percentage of clay in the soil can be The percentage of clay in the soil can be so high that the positive charge on theso high that the positive charge on the

y py p

so high that the positive charge on the so high that the positive charge on the edge of a clay particle combines with the edge of a clay particle combines with the negative charge on the flat surface of negative charge on the flat surface of another, forming a tight threeanother, forming a tight three--dimensionaldimensionalanother, forming a tight threeanother, forming a tight three dimensional dimensional structure as shown in in this image.structure as shown in in this image.

When the percentage of clay in the soil is very high and especially whenWhen the percentage of clay in the soil is very high and especially whenWhen the percentage of clay in the soil is very high, and especially when When the percentage of clay in the soil is very high, and especially when an excessive amount of salt is present, the positive charge on the edge of an excessive amount of salt is present, the positive charge on the edge of a clay particle combines with the negative charge on the flat surface of a clay particle combines with the negative charge on the flat surface of another forming a tight three dimensional structureanother forming a tight three dimensional structureanother, forming a tight three dimensional structure. another, forming a tight three dimensional structure.

Water Penetration is EnabledWater Penetration is Enabledwith the help of Humic acids (Humus) with the help of Humic acids (Humus)

Humic acid causes the clay particles to Humic acid causes the clay particles to t d d ll i t t ti Itt d d ll i t t ti Itstand on end, allowing water penetration. It stand on end, allowing water penetration. It

does this in two ways. does this in two ways. 1.1. First, it segregates salts (positive ions) First, it segregates salts (positive ions)

d th f th f fd th f th f fand removes them from the surface of and removes them from the surface of the clay particle. This restores a the clay particle. This restores a negative charge to the clay platelets negative charge to the clay platelets causing the clay platelets to repel eachcausing the clay platelets to repel eachcausing the clay platelets to repel each causing the clay platelets to repel each other, therefore loosening the soil other, therefore loosening the soil structure. structure.

2.2. Second, a carbon group on the Humic Second, a carbon group on the Humic g pg pacid molecule (carboxyl group) bonds acid molecule (carboxyl group) bonds with the edge of the positively charged with the edge of the positively charged particles. This breaks the attractive force particles. This breaks the attractive force b t th iti h t th db t th iti h t th d

This action, called protective colloidal action, This action, called protective colloidal action, loosens soil, letting roots penetrate more loosens soil, letting roots penetrate more

easily.easily.

between the positive charge at the edge between the positive charge at the edge of a particle and the negative charge or of a particle and the negative charge or the flat surface of another the flat surface of another

Mi t i t h iMi t i t h iMicronutrient exchange is Micronutrient exchange is improved with Humus (Humic improved with Humus (Humic acids) in the soil.acids) in the soil.))

Humic acid is extremely important as a medium for Humic acid is extremely important as a medium for transporting nutrients from the soil to the plant.transporting nutrients from the soil to the plant.

Humic acid picks up positive ions. Since the root's Humic acid picks up positive ions. Since the root's negative charge is greater than Humic acid's negative charge is greater than Humic acid's

ti h i ti t th i th t thti h i ti t th i th t thnegative charge, scientists theorize that the negative charge, scientists theorize that the micronutrients are taken up by a plant's root and micronutrients are taken up by a plant's root and absorbed by the plant's circulation system. absorbed by the plant's circulation system. Since the root system is negatively charged whenSince the root system is negatively charged whenSince the root system is negatively charged, when Since the root system is negatively charged, when the Humic acid moves close to the root, the root's the Humic acid moves close to the root, the root's negative charge exceeds the acid's negative negative charge exceeds the acid's negative charge. The micronutrients are released from the charge. The micronutrients are released from the Humic acid molecule and enter the root Humic acid molecule and enter the root membrane. membrane.

Water Sequestration Positive ions are more easily Positive ions are more easily absorbed by a plant's root. absorbed by a plant's root. Humic Humic acid holds cations in a way they can be acid holds cations in a way they can be

il b b d b l t' til b b d b l t' tmore easily absorbed by a plant's root, more easily absorbed by a plant's root, improving micronutrient transference to improving micronutrient transference to the plant's circulation system. the plant's circulation system.

Humic acid slows water evaporation from soils. Humic acid slows water evaporation from soils. This is especially important in This is especially important in soils where clay is not present or in a low concentration, in arid areas, and in soils where clay is not present or in a low concentration, in arid areas, and in sandy soils without the capability to hold water. sandy soils without the capability to hold water. In the presence of water, cations absorbed by In the presence of water, cations absorbed by Humic Humic acid partially ionize and acid partially ionize and move a short distance away from the move a short distance away from the Humic Humic acid oxidation sites. This restores acid oxidation sites. This restores part of the bonded ion's positive attractive force. Since water is a dipolar part of the bonded ion's positive attractive force. Since water is a dipolar molecule and electrically neutral the end of the molecule containing themolecule and electrically neutral the end of the molecule containing themolecule and electrically neutral, the end of the molecule containing the molecule and electrically neutral, the end of the molecule containing the oxygen atom loosely bonds to the ion. The hydrogen or negative end of the oxygen atom loosely bonds to the ion. The hydrogen or negative end of the water molecule is partially neutralized, and as a result, increases the hydrogen water molecule is partially neutralized, and as a result, increases the hydrogen end's positive attracting force. The oxygen (or negative) end of another water end's positive attracting force. The oxygen (or negative) end of another water p g yg ( g )p g yg ( g )molecule bonds with the hydrogen end and this continues until the attractive molecule bonds with the hydrogen end and this continues until the attractive force of the water molecule is dissipated. force of the water molecule is dissipated. This is called surface tension!This is called surface tension!

Humic acids can save up to 30% on waterHumic acids can save up to 30% on waterThe polar nature of water molecules allows The polar nature of water molecules allows them to bond to each other in groups and is them to bond to each other in groups and is associated with the associated with the high surface tension high surface tension of of water. The polar nature of the water water. The polar nature of the water molecule has many implications. It causes molecule has many implications. It causes water vapor at sufficient water vapor at sufficient vapor pressure vapor pressure to to depart from thedepart from the ideal gas lawideal gas law because ofbecause ofdepart from the depart from the ideal gas law ideal gas law because of because of dipoledipole--dipole attractions. This can lead to dipole attractions. This can lead to condensation and phenomena like cloud condensation and phenomena like cloud formation, fog, the formation, fog, the dew pointdew point, etc. It also has , etc. It also has

d l d i h h f i fd l d i h h f i fa great deal to do with the function of water a great deal to do with the function of water as the as the solvent of life solvent of life in biological systems.in biological systems.

This effect reduces the evaporation rate byThis effect reduces the evaporation rate byThis effect reduces the evaporation rate by This effect reduces the evaporation rate by about 30%. Humic acid can significantly about 30%. Humic acid can significantly reduce water evaporation and increase its reduce water evaporation and increase its use by plants in nonuse by plants in non--clay, arid, and sandy clay, arid, and sandy y py p y yy ysoils. soils.

I i d t i t b d tIonized nutrients bond to water. Cations in the presence ofCations in the presence of water are partially ionized and move a short distance awaymove a short distance away from the Humic acid sites on the root. The movement restores the ion's positive attractive force, allowing the

d f toxygen end of water molecules to loosely bond to the cationthe cation.

Microorganism Stimulation Microorganism Stimulation

Humic acid becomes a source of phosphate and carbon, stimulating Humic acid becomes a source of phosphate and carbon, stimulating micromicro--flora flora populations. It also provide sites for populations. It also provide sites for micro flora micro flora to colonize. to colonize. The bacteria secrete enzymes which act as catalysts liberating calciumThe bacteria secrete enzymes which act as catalysts liberating calciumThe bacteria secrete enzymes which act as catalysts, liberating calcium The bacteria secrete enzymes which act as catalysts, liberating calcium and phosphorous from insoluble calcium phosphate, and iron and and phosphorous from insoluble calcium phosphate, and iron and phosphorous from insoluble iron phosphate. As the calcium, phosphorous from insoluble iron phosphate. As the calcium, phosphorous, and iron elements are liberated, they are absorbed by the phosphorous, and iron elements are liberated, they are absorbed by the p p , , y yp p , , y yHumic Humic acid present, making the elements less available to the bacteria. acid present, making the elements less available to the bacteria. The bacteria are further stimulated to secrete additional enzymes, The bacteria are further stimulated to secrete additional enzymes, liberating more calcium, iron, and phosphorous, until both the liberating more calcium, iron, and phosphorous, until both the Humic Humic acid acid g , , p p ,g , , p p ,and bacterial populations are satisfied. In the same way, trace nutrients and bacterial populations are satisfied. In the same way, trace nutrients are also converted into forms more easily used by the plant. are also converted into forms more easily used by the plant.

Humus is a stable long lasting product of Humus is a stable long lasting product of soilsoil

chemistrychemistry

Both Humus and the Mycorrhizae make all plants Both Humus and the Mycorrhizae make all plants dramatically more drought tolerant and therefore the landscape dramatically more drought tolerant and therefore the landscape y g py g p

more sustainable. more sustainable.

It’s how nature works! It’s how nature works!

Humus helps retain Humus helps retain water in soilwater in soilwater in soil, water in soil,

because of the because of the ElectronegativityElectronegativityElectronegativityElectronegativityfactor of humus!factor of humus!

Humus helps retain water in soilHumus helps retain water in soilHumus helps retain water in soil, Humus helps retain water in soil, because of the Electronegativitybecause of the Electronegativity factor of humusfactor of humus!!

B t it’ th M hi th t ti l t ith th tB t it’ th M hi th t ti l t ith th tBut it’s the Mycorrhizae that articulate with the roots But it’s the Mycorrhizae that articulate with the roots of plants and that do most of the hard work of of plants and that do most of the hard work of

uptaking water and mineral nutrients that are provideuptaking water and mineral nutrients that are provideuptaking water and mineral nutrients that are provide uptaking water and mineral nutrients that are provide to those host plants! to those host plants!

Research has proven that when a plant is made Research has proven that when a plant is made mycorrhizal (it is made to have that relationship withmycorrhizal (it is made to have that relationship withmycorrhizal (it is made to have that relationship with mycorrhizal (it is made to have that relationship with

the mycorrhizae) it can become over 30 % more the mycorrhizae) it can become over 30 % more drought tolerant and resistant to water stress. drought tolerant and resistant to water stress.

Mycorrhizae help make Humus and a healthy Terrestrial Mycorrhizae help make Humus and a healthy Terrestrial Biosphere we call aBiosphere we call aBiosphere we call a Biosphere we call a

‘Soil Food Web’‘Soil Food Web’

1.1. Mycorrhizae produce a protein called GlomalinMycorrhizae produce a protein called Glomalin

22 Glomalin is a h ge long lasting soil carbon bankGlomalin is a h ge long lasting soil carbon bank2.2. Glomalin is a huge long lasting soil carbon bankGlomalin is a huge long lasting soil carbon bank

3.3. Protein is the precursor of Humus and Protein is the precursor of Humus and Humic acids formationHumic acids formation

4.4. Protein is made of Amino acids that are the building blocks of all life Protein is made of Amino acids that are the building blocks of all life and are rich in Nitrogen, a growth stimulant to plants. Protein is also a and are rich in Nitrogen, a growth stimulant to plants. Protein is also a

super calorie that is needed to feed the bacteria and other micro super calorie that is needed to feed the bacteria and other micro organisms of the Soil Food Web. organisms of the Soil Food Web.

Mycorrhizae provide the pipeline of calories from amino acids and the body Mycorrhizae provide the pipeline of calories from amino acids and the body parts of decomposing hyphae that perpetuate a sustainable source of parts of decomposing hyphae that perpetuate a sustainable source of

humus and Humic acids!humus and Humic acids!

Nothing else in nature can do Nothing else in nature can do ggthe same thing as what the same thing as what

HumusHumus and Mycorrhizae fungiand Mycorrhizae fungiHumusHumus and Mycorrhizae fungi and Mycorrhizae fungi can do!can do!

If you can get Mycorrhizae and If you can get Mycorrhizae and y g yy g yHumus to work for you, you will Humus to work for you, you will have a healthy and productivehave a healthy and productivehave a healthy and productivehave a healthy and productive

‘Soil Food Web’‘Soil Food Web’

Pedogenesis Pedogenesis –– Soil Soil CreationCreationThe protocol of Soil Secrets materials instigated or primed The protocol of Soil Secrets materials instigated or primed

the top soil building process on this site.the top soil building process on this site.

Desert soil in Northern ArizonaDesert soil in Northern ArizonaTopsoil rich in Humus Topsoil rich in Humus

3 years from start of priming3 years from start of primingBefore primingBefore priming

The precursor of HumusThe precursor of Humusis Proteinis Protein

TTP Supreme TTP Supreme CompostCompostpp ppCalories in compost areCalories in compost are

90% + 90% + carbohydrates and very low in carbohydrates and very low in protein, therefore compost protein, therefore compost p pp p

is not the sustainable way to build a is not the sustainable way to build a Humic acid rich top soil.Humic acid rich top soil.

Compost is a way to remineralizeCompost is a way to remineralizethose minerals depleted from a soil, those minerals depleted from a soil,

from leaching or farming!from leaching or farming!Pure HumusPure Humus

the the Arboretum Tomé Arboretum Tomé in Los Lunas, New Mexicoin Los Lunas, New Mexicoiis where Soil Secrets LLC walks the walk and talks thes where Soil Secrets LLC walks the walk and talks theiis where Soil Secrets LLC walks the walk and talks the s where Soil Secrets LLC walks the walk and talks the

talk.talk.

24 years of soil rehabilitation from the original pH of 8.3 to 9.2, site was a 24 years of soil rehabilitation from the original pH of 8.3 to 9.2, site was a sodic, saline and alkaline clay.sodic, saline and alkaline clay.

Located in the Chihuahuan desert, annual precipitation of about 7.4 inches, Located in the Chihuahuan desert, annual precipitation of about 7.4 inches, , p p ,, p p ,elevation of 5000 feet. elevation of 5000 feet.

Today we have a large species collections of the genus of oaks native to the Today we have a large species collections of the genus of oaks native to the Southwest, Europe, Mexico and the United States. Southwest, Europe, Mexico and the United States. , p ,, p ,

Oaks planted from seed from 1998 to 2000 that are now 35 to 40 feet tall.Oaks planted from seed from 1998 to 2000 that are now 35 to 40 feet tall.Maples, Redwoods and Giant Timber Bamboo from China.Maples, Redwoods and Giant Timber Bamboo from China.

The arboretum exemplifies the power of Humus and Mycorrhizae The arboretum exemplifies the power of Humus and Mycorrhizae as watering is required only once every two to three weeks as watering is required only once every two to three weeks g q y yg q y y

depending on wind, heat and lack of rain. depending on wind, heat and lack of rain.

the the Arboretum Tomé Arboretum Tomé lawn is watered only oncelawn is watered only onceevery three weeks in normal summers!every three weeks in normal summers!every three weeks in normal summers!every three weeks in normal summers!

Future site of the Arboretum in 1987Future site of the Arboretum in 1987

Same view in 1998Same view in 1998

30 30 –– 35’ tall Timber Bamboo and35’ tall Timber Bamboo and60’ Texas Redwood in fall color60’ Texas Redwood in fall color

Fall color on a Chihuahuan native red oak Fall color on a Chihuahuan native red oak C OC O QQccalled the Chisos Red Oak alled the Chisos Red Oak –– Quercus Quercus

gravesiigravesii

Restoring the Natural Process of the Soil Food WebRestoring the Natural Process of the Soil Food WebMycorrhizae inoculantsMycorrhizae inoculants

®®TerraPro TerraPro ®® humus/mycorrhizae inoculanthumus/mycorrhizae inoculantProtein CrumbliesProtein Crumblies®® amino acid formula for feeding the Soil Food Webamino acid formula for feeding the Soil Food Web

Earth Nectar Earth Nectar –– Soil EnzymesSoil EnzymesEarth Ambrosia Earth Ambrosia –– Liquid humusLiquid humus

TTP Supreme CompostTTP Supreme CompostEarth Worm CastingsEarth Worm CastingsEarth Worm CastingsEarth Worm Castings

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