CONTENTS
Please
note, this "book" has been translated into English from its Russian
form. Any small grammatical flaws that occur are simply the result of this
translation.
6. THE EFFECTS OF HUMATES ON SOIL
The fertility of the soil was always related to its humus content.
It was determined that humic substances participate in the regulation of
most important characteristics. First
of all, they are accountable for the coloring and, therefore,
thermal conditions. It is
particularly important for cold clay soil which under the effect of humates
becomes warmer. Secondly, long-term humate treatment is conducive to the improvement
of soil structure. When humates
enter the soil, they form potassium and magnesium humates that bond mechanical
element of the soil and act as organo-mineral bridges between aggregates.
Thirdly, one of the important qualities of humates is their
ion-exchange activity. It ensures
humates’ ability to regulate the process of
transformation of mineral nutrients in soil-plant system.
Fourthly, humate
treatment increases water saturation of soil.
It is particularly important for sandy soils.
Its water saturation ability increases by more than ten times after
humate treatment. The same
principal applies when preparations are used for melioration.
Fifthly, the most important
challenge of our times is restoration of the fertility of the soil in suburban
zones of the industrially developed regions.
Modern ecological overload makes the soil’s natural self-rectification
with micro-organisms insufficient. Traditionally,
organic fertilizers (manure, compost) were used to increase biological activity
of the soil and to improve its self-rectification.
However, in spite of high nutritious value of these products, their bond
with organic mass is too close, and it decreases their assimilation.
That is why these products are used in large quantities (up to 60-80
ton/hectare). Introduction of humic
substances solves the problem very effectively.
Humic substances determine the structure and the fertility of the soil. They are an effective measure in solving ecological problems, such as pollution of soil and subsoil waters by chemicals used in agriculture.