Publication details

A range of products, often referred to as alternative fertilisers, are marketed with numerous claims relating to soil health and improved plant growth. However, there is often an absence of evidence about the veracity of the claims and the effectiveness of these products. Producers and consumers alike are left to rely on the advertised promises which come with little proof.

Download: This publication is available to download below and is also available from the iBookstore and Google Play in the right panel.

A brief history of humus

  • The Humic period (before 1840)
  • The Mineralist period (1840 - 1940)
  • The Ecological period (1940 - 2000)

Humic substances

  • What are humic substances?
  • Terminology
  • Humus and soil organic matter
  • Characteristics of humic substances
  • Formation and structure of humic substances

Humic products

  • What are humic products?
  • Survey of Australian companies selling humic products

The claims of humic products

  • Research into humic products
  • Plant growth and yield
  • Claims of physical properties
  • Claims of chemical properties
  • Claims of biological properties

This e-publication is written primarily for agronomists, soil scientists, consultants and other farm advisors. However, the readable style, explanations and diagrams make it accessible for others with a more rudimentary understanding of the soil and plant services.

Title          Humic products       
Author(s)                   
Pages          150         
ISBN                   
Catalogue number                   
Year published          2015         
Publisher          NSW Department of Primary Industries         
Price          $0.00AUD (inc GST)


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Paperback / Hardback - Not available
eBook - Free (iPad/iPhone) Available on the iBookstore
eBook - Free (PC/Android) Get it on Google Play

  • Other ways to buy

  • Order by phone
    Phone: 1800 025 520 International: +61 2 49398888
  • Order by fax
    Click here to fill out the order form Cat No.L - Price $0.00 Fax: 02 4938 5549 International: +61 2 4938 5549
  • Order by mail
    Click here to fill out the order form Cat No.L - Price $0.00 Tocal College, CB Alexander Campus, Paterson NSW 2421
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