Humic Substances: An Elixir to Plant Growth

Agrochemicals play a vital role in agriculture, representing a powerful tool for farmers to increase yield and guarantee continuous productivity throughout the seasons. Several technological innovations have been proposed to enhance the sustainability of agricultural production systems, through a significant reduction of synthetic agrochemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. A promising and environmental-friendly innovation is the utilization of natural plant biostimulants. Humic substances as a plant biostimulant are gaining importance due to its implication on various soil characteristics and enhanced nutrient uptake. These are heterogeneous organic molecules that form in the soil as byproducts of microbial metabolism of dead organic matter. The use of humic substances can represent a valuable tool to enhance soil nutrient availability, plant nutrient uptake and assimilation.