Potassium humate is a water-soluble salt of humic acid used as a soil conditioner and as a humic carbon source in fertigation and foliar programmes. This guide gives practical starting rates for vegetables, fruit trees and strawberries, and explains how to combine potassium humate with NPK fertilizers. Rates are starting points: adjust them to soil tests, crop stage and local advice.
How potassium humate is applied
- Irrigation and fertigation: the most common route; the product dissolves completely and moves with the water to the root zone.
- Foliar spray: at higher dilution, usually together with nutrients.
- Base application: mixed with NPK fertilizer before planting.
Starting rates by crop
| Crop | Method | Starting rate |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Irrigation | About 500× dilution; 30–40 kg per hectare per application, 3–5 times per season |
| Vegetables | Foliar spray | 1,000–1,500× dilution |
| Fruit trees | Base fertilizer | About 500 g potassium humate with 1 kg NPK per tree, then irrigate |
| Fruit trees | Before and after flowering | Irrigate together with potassium fertilizer; after flowering, 5–6 applications with foliar sprays in between |
| Strawberries | Base fertilizer | About 25 kg potassium humate with 25 kg NPK per 1,000 m² |
| Strawberries | After transplanting | 500–800× dilution by fertigation every 15–20 days; foliar spray on young plants before transplanting |
These figures come from field practice with our product and are not a substitute for local agronomic advice.
Mixing with NPK fertilizers
- Potassium humate is commonly applied with urea, MAP, DAP and potassium fertilizers.
- Humic acid can precipitate in acidic solutions and in water high in calcium or magnesium. Run a jar test with your water and fertilizers before mixing in the tank.
- Add potassium humate to the tank first, let it dissolve, then add the other fertilizers.
Choosing a grade
Grades differ in humic acid content, potassium content and solubility. For fertigation and foliar use, choose a fully soluble grade such as super potassium humate. See all humic acid products.
FAQ
How much potassium humate should I apply per hectare?
For vegetables, a common starting point is 30–40 kg per hectare per application through irrigation, repeated 3–5 times in the season. Adjust to soil tests and crop response.
What dilution is used for foliar spray?
Usually 1,000–1,500 times dilution in water (about 0.7–1 g per litre). Spray in the cool part of the day and test on a small area first.
Can potassium humate be mixed with NPK fertilizers?
Yes. It is often applied with urea, MAP, DAP or potassium fertilizers. Avoid mixing concentrated solutions with strongly acidic products or high-calcium water, which can make humic acid precipitate; run a jar test first.
Is potassium humate a replacement for NPK?
No. It is a soil conditioner and humic carbon source that works alongside the normal fertilizer programme.