Fulvic acid is described as the ultimate product of aerobic decomposition of all living matter. It has a very short molecular weight and is extremely bio-active, passing quickly into plant cells. Once inside the plant, high levels of Fulvic acid allows the plant to photosynthesise more effectively or to produce plant food from the nutrient more effectively within the leaf. It chelates and binds scores of mineral into a bio-available form and is one of the most efficient transporters of vitamins into the cell. In turn the trace minerals and vitamins serve as catalysts to biochemical reactions. Fulvic acid has the extraordinary ability to change, alter, combine with or act upon virtually all other organic and inorganic matter. For further information, check out www.fulvic.com

NutriMate is one of several new products available to the trade that containes Fulvic acid along with Humic acid. The product acts neither as a fertilizer nor a soil conditioner and can best be described as an organic mineral. The decomposition of animal and plant remains over millions of years gives rise, within the product, to these two acids that work together in harmony but do completely different jobs.

Humic acid has a very long molecular weight and inhibits the leaching of nutrients from the soil. About 30% of all fertilizers applied in the UK is said to be lost through leaching. In addition a lot of the nutrients applied are locked up in the soil and unavailable to the plant. The Humic molecule within NutriMate reduces leaching considerably and also make available to the plant much more of the nutrient that is in the soil. Plants can therefore grow better, larger and stronger with less nutrient and less light. An ability to grow more effectively with less light means earlier growth and much faster establishment of crops.

The Fulvic acid molecule (effectively a varied and complex series of molecules) is an important promoter of health, growth and development in all higher organisms including man and is the subject of considerable on-going research.

The CEC (cation exchange capacity measured in milli equivalents per litre) of sand is low at around 4-10 m eq per l, while clay is better at between 40-60 m eq per l. The CEC of NutriMate is 280 m eq per l. The Humic molecule gives the product the high CEC, which allows it to hold a much higher level of the nutrients within the soil ready for the plants to use whenever they needs it.

Humic and Fulvic acid formulations are available from suppliers in liquid, powder or granular form. Much is obtained from a 'Leonardite' type of coal. The use of these two acids in various formulation has been rapidly increasing in horticulture and agriculture in Southern Europe where the active ingredients provide particular advantage to plant crops under stress caused by high temperatures, water shortage or saline water.

The application of NutriMate helps plant growth all-year-round to obtain earlier crops, better taste, less fertilizer costs, more bigger flowers and prevent harmful fertilizer run off. It can be applied to all crops in any type of container, pot, tub or basket and to the open ground. The amount required is very small and it can be incorporated into composts where it is also claimed to help seedings establish themselves more quickly. NutriMate is supplied by the Nursery Trades (Lea Valley) Ltd in the UK. www.btconnect.com/nurserytrades/2004/news/newsarticle2.htm Humic and Fulvic acid are already available in various products and formulations. For further information in Italy try: Vala