What Does Fulvic Acid Mean?
Fulvic acid is created by microorganisms in the soil during the breakdown of organic matter. It can be applied in any growing situation (indoor, outdoor, hydroponics, etc.) to encourage stronger plant growth and healthier plants overall.
There are two types of acids often talked about in conjunction – humic acid and fulvic acid. While both are important for plant health, only fulvic acid can actually be taken up by plants. Humic acid molecules are too large for uptake. However, this acid does play an important role in matter decomposition, soil aeration, and other areas. Fulvic acid molecules are small enough for plant uptake and improve root pore size, allowing plants to take in more nutrients for stronger growth.
Maximum Yield Explains Fulvic Acid
Fulvic acid acts as a chelator, binding metals to keep them from reacting together, but still allowing the plant to access those nutrients when needed. It can also help increase the permeability of plant cells to nutrients, and even foster better elongation and division within plant cells. In both root and foliar applications, it has also been shown to boost photosynthesis action, even in lower light conditions than would otherwise be optimal.
As a result of applying fulvic acid, whether to the roots or the leaves of a plant, trace elements can be taken in by plants, and beneficial enzymes such as superoxide dismutase can be activated as well.
While growers with outdoor growing areas can easily add both humic and fulvic acid with the application of compost or compost tea, indoor gardeners face challenges. This is generally because of the soilless growing conditions of hydroponic systems. In these instances, fulvic acid can be added to the water/nutrient mix in the form of a powder mixed with water and then added to the system.
