Humify

Humify is a company I cofounded in order to produce humic acids from biomass. The process is called hydrothermal humification and was invented at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces by Prof. Markus Antonietti.

Overview of Humification and Humic Substances

Humification is the process through which organic matter, such as dead plant and animal material, decomposes and transforms into stable organic compounds known as humic substances. This process plays a vital role in soil formation and fertility. Humic substances are divided into three categories based on their solubility: humic acids, fulvic acids, and humin. Of these, humic acids are particularly influential in enhancing soil health, water retention, and carbon sequestration.

Humic Acids and Soil Health

Humic acids are a key component of humic substances and make up a significant portion of soil organic matter. They are known for improving soil structure and enhancing the availability of essential nutrients for plant growth. This is due to their unique molecular structure, which includes carboxyl and phenolic groups. These functional groups contribute to the ability of humic acids to chelate micronutrients, making them more accessible to plants.

In addition to nutrient availability, humic acids also enhance microbial activity in the soil. This leads to an increase in enzyme production and nutrient cycling, ultimately promoting soil fertility. Humic acids have been shown to increase the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in plants, which are essential for healthy crop growth.

Water Holding Capacity and Soil Structure

One of the most critical functions of humic acids is their ability to improve soil’s water holding capacity (WHC). The amphiphilic nature of humic acids, which allows them to interact with both water and soil particles, helps in binding water molecules, making it available for plants over extended periods. This is especially beneficial in sandy soils or areas prone to drought, as it reduces the risk of water stress on crops.

By stabilizing soil aggregates, humic acids also enhance soil porosity and permeability, allowing better root growth and water infiltration. This leads to improved soil aeration and drainage, essential for both plant health and microbial activity.

Carbon Sequestration and Climate Benefits

Humic acids contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, a process where carbon is stored in soils, reducing its presence in the atmosphere as CO₂, a potent greenhouse gas. The carbon contained within humic acids is highly stable and resistant to microbial decomposition, meaning that it can remain in the soil for long periods. This long-term storage of carbon not only enhances soil fertility but also mitigates climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon levels.

Incorporating organic materials like compost or crop residues into soils accelerates the formation of humic acids and boosts their carbon-sequestration potential. By enriching soil organic matter, humic acids improve the soil’s capacity to store carbon, acting as a natural climate regulator.

Humic acids are essential for maintaining healthy soils, improving water retention, enhancing plant nutrient uptake, and increasing soil fertility. Their ability to sequester carbon also makes them an important tool in the fight against climate change. As agriculture continues to face challenges such as water scarcity and declining soil health, humic substances offer a natural, sustainable solution to improving soil productivity and resilience​. We started Humify in order to industrially scale the production of humic acids from biomass in order to bring these effects to industrial agriculture.