The ecological benefits of humic acids are diverse and present profitable and effective solutions for environmental problems and the preservation of the environment.

First of all, soils with a high content of humic acids are a guarantee for low nitrate leaching and for optimum nutrient efficiency. A well-developed root system, which is achieved by a high content of humic acids, prevents that nitrate and pesticides mix in with ground water Futhermore, a low content of nitrate is an indicator and a prerequisite for appropriate organic agriculture. It happens very often that growers use fertilizers more than plants can take up. This leads to nitrate concentration in soil, which is later to be found in ground water. A purification plant, which should sink contaminated water under a value of five milligrams NO3-N per liter in complicated flows, means very high material costs at the same time.
Important: Instead of curing the symptoms (water contamination) only, the root causes (nitrate leaching) should be fought against with.

Secondly, humic acids reduce the over-salination problem in the application of watersoluble mineral fertilizers. Humic acids are able to decrease high salt contents in soils and thus the resulting toxicities. Especially the NH4-toxicity of fertilizers containing ammonia is reduced, which is of great importance for young plants particularly. Generally, humic acids reduce root burning which comes about through excessive salt concentrations in soils after fertilization; in case of permanent high levels of salt in soils, these are reduced. Furthermore, when humic acids are mixed with liquid fertilizers, the undesirable smell is diminished.

Thirdly, humic acids are an effective means to fight against soil erosion. This is achieved both by increasing the ability of soil colloids to combine and by enhancing root system and plant development. Leonardite and humate-based products are certificated for organic agriculture by renown organizations and institutions of agriculture worldwide.