What Is Fulvic Acid? Simple Answers
Short, plain answers to the most common questions about fulvic acid. For use in fertilizers, see fulvic acid in agriculture; for a fuller overview, see fulvic acid overview.
Short answer: Fulvic acid is one of the three fractions of humic substances, the dark organic matter formed when plant and animal remains decompose. It is the fraction that dissolves in water at any pH. It is yellow to yellow-brown and has smaller molecules than humic acid.
How is fulvic acid different from humic acid?
Both come from humic substances. Humic acid dissolves in alkaline water but precipitates in acid; fulvic acid stays dissolved in both. Fulvic acid is lighter in colour and has smaller molecules with more oxygen-containing groups. See humic acid vs fulvic acid.
Where does fulvic acid come from?
| Type | Source |
|---|---|
| Mineral fulvic acid | Extracted from leonardite or weathered coal |
| Bio (biochemical) fulvic acid | Produced by fermentation of plant material |
| Natural fulvic acid | Present in soils, peat and natural waters |
What other names are used?
In China, a fulvic acid product made from weathered coal has long been sold under the name “drought-resistant agent No. 1”. Potassium fulvate is the potassium salt of fulvic acid.
What is it used for?
In agriculture it is used mainly in water-soluble fertilizers: foliar sprays, drip irrigation and liquid micronutrient blends, because it stays dissolved and can hold metal ions in solution.
How should fulvic acid be stored?
In a sealed container in a dry place. Fulvic acid powders absorb moisture from the air and can cake.
Frequently asked questions
Is fulvic acid natural?
Yes. It occurs in soils, peat and natural waters; commercial products are extracted from natural deposits or made by fermentation.
Is fulvic acid soluble in water?
Yes, at any pH.
What is potassium fulvate?
The potassium salt of fulvic acid, used in soluble fertilizers.
What is the difference between mineral and bio fulvic acid?
Mineral fulvic acid comes from leonardite or weathered coal; bio fulvic acid comes from fermentation of plant material. They differ in composition, so compare their specifications.
