Application of Humic and Fulvic Acids as Biostimulants to Improve Growth, Yield and Quality of Vegetable Crops. A review

Abstract

This review aims to evaluate the biostimulants, such as fulvic and humic acids, and their potential to improve the growth, yield and quality of vegetable crops. Most scientists have reported many positive effects of humic compounds, including fulvic and humic acids on plant growth and development, but it appears that these effects depend on several factors, such as the application rate and frequency, application method, plant species, type of humic substance, product formulation, growing substrate, and environmental conditions. Humic and fulvic acids are natural organic compounds derived from the decomposition of plant and microbial matter. Applying humic and fulvic acids as foliar or soil drench enhancing the growth and yield of vegetable crops through enhancing soil structure, increasing nutrient retention, and promoting root growth, improving cation exchange capacity, increasing the availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and facilitating better uptake by plants. As well as increasing photosynthetic efficiency and promoting cellular activity, leading to better growth and development. The application of fulvic and humic acids enhances the quality of vegetable crops by improving attributes such as size, color, texture, and flavor. Additionally, increase the concentration of bioactive compounds like vitamins, antioxidants, secondary metabolites and enhancing nutritional value.