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Humic Acid’s Vast Potential in Long – Term Soil Fertility Improvement and Carbon Sequestration

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In a recent study, researchers Renata Jarosz and others delved into the potential of humic acid in enhancing soil fertility and carbon sequestration over the long term. Their research paper, titled “The Effect of New Zeolite Composites from Fly Ashes Mixed with Leonardite and Lignite in Enhancing Soil Organic Matter,” uncovers some remarkable findings.

Contents hide
1 1. Significant Increase in Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
2 2. Substantial Changes in Organic Carbon (ZC)
3 3. Enhanced Humification Degree
4 4. Accelerated Formation of Stable Carbon Compounds
5 5. Changes in Functional Groups and Organic Matter Precursors
6 6. A New Perspective on Soil Health Assessment

1. Significant Increase in Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

  • The addition of these mixtures enhanced the stability of soil organic matter. After the second year of the experiment, the application of mineral – organic mixtures led to a remarkable 18% increase in soil total organic carbon (TOC).
  • The soil with the addition of a 3% leonardite and 3% mineral mixture (MC3%Leo3%) showed the highest TOC content, with a staggering 33% increase. This significant boost in TOC is crucial as it indicates an improvement in soil quality and its ability to retain nutrients. Higher TOC levels can also enhance soil structure, water – holding capacity, and aeration, all of which are essential for plant growth.

2. Substantial Changes in Organic Carbon (ZC)

  • A variance analysis (ANOVA) of the soil organic carbon (ZC) content in the first and second years of the experiment revealed significant differences both between different fertilization treatments and across different years.
  • By the end of the second year, all the applied fertilization schemes increased the soil organic carbon (ZC) content, with an average increase of 16%. The soil treated with a 3% mineral and 3% leonardite mixture (MC3%Leo3%) had the largest increase in ZC, reaching 39%. This increase in ZC not only contributes to soil fertility but also plays a role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change by storing carbon in the soil.

3. Enhanced Humification Degree

  • The ratio of humic acid carbon to fulvic acid carbon (CHA:CFA) was calculated. In the first year, the CHA:CFA ratio in the treatment group with only mineral fertilizer (MF) was 0.165 ± 0.018, while in the group with a 3% mineral and 3% lignite mixture (MC3%L3%), it was 0.420 ± 0.069.
  • After the second year, the lowest CHA:CFA ratio was in the control group (C), at 0.293 ± 0.039, and the highest was in the 3% mineral and 3% lignite mixture (MV3%L3%) treatment group, at 0.536 ± 0.163. Considering the average CHA:CFA ratio over the two – year period, the soil treated with a 3% mineral and 3% lignite mixture (MC3%L3%) had the highest value (0.448 ± 0.101). This indicates a higher degree of humification compared to the control group (with the lowest CHA:CFA ratio of 0.277 ± 0.049). A higher humification degree means that the soil has a more stable and beneficial organic matter structure, which is important for long – term soil fertility.

4. Accelerated Formation of Stable Carbon Compounds

  • All treatment groups showed an increase in the content of non – hydrolysable humic compounds (CNH) after the second year. The treatment group with a 3% mineral and 3% leonardite mixture (MV3%Leo3%) had the highest increase, reaching 59%.
  • The increase in CNH indicates that these amendments can effectively promote the formation of stable carbon compounds in the soil. Stable carbon compounds are important for long – term carbon storage in the soil, as they are less likely to be decomposed by microorganisms, thus contributing to soil carbon sequestration and improved soil quality.

5. Changes in Functional Groups and Organic Matter Precursors

  • Compared to the application of only mineral fertilizers, the new mineral – organic mixtures influenced the changes in specific functional groups in the soil matrix (determined by ATR – FTIR method). They significantly increased the carbon content in the soil and the content of organic matter precursors, including phenolic compounds. These changes in functional groups and organic matter precursors can have a profound impact on soil chemical and biological processes. For example, phenolic compounds can interact with soil microorganisms, affecting their activity and the decomposition of organic matter.

6. A New Perspective on Soil Health Assessment

  • The study suggests that analyzing the composition and quality of soil organic matter can be an important indicator for assessing soil health. By further correlating the obtained results with other soil properties, it will be possible to comprehensively understand the interactions between various soil parameters. This new perspective on soil health assessment can help farmers, agronomists, and environmentalists make more informed decisions regarding soil management, fertilization, and land use planning.
In conclusion, this research highlights the significant potential of using mixtures of fly ash with leonardite or lignite to create zeolite – containing composites that can enhance soil organic matter, improve soil fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration. The findings have important implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, offering new ways to manage soil resources more effectively.
 

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