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    Key Differences Between Flake, Granular, and Powder Sodium Humate

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    Leo
    ·July 8, 2025
    ·20 min read
    Key Differences Between Flake, Granular, and Powder Sodium Humate

    You can see clear differences between flake, granular, and powder sodium humate. Flake sodium humate looks like shiny black flakes. Granular humate is made of small, hard pieces. Powder sodium humate looks like a fine black dust. These types dissolve in water at different speeds and work best for different jobs in farming, factories, and fish farms. Good sodium humate from Leonardite gives you many choices and great results for many uses.

    Key Takeaways

    • Flake sodium humate looks like shiny black pieces. It dissolves fast and is very pure. This makes it great for quick soil help and cleaning water.

    • Granular sodium humate is made of small, hard bits. It dissolves well and does not make dust. It is good for animal food, soil care, and fish farms.

    • Powder sodium humate is a fine black dust. It mixes very fast and is good for animal health, water cleaning, and cleaning pollution. But it can make dust when you use it.

    • All types come from high-quality Leonardite. They go through strict checks to make sure they are pure and work well for farms, animals, and factories.

    • Pick the type you need based on your goal. Use flakes for fast soil and water results. Use granules for easy use and animal food. Use powder for quick mixing and cleaning the environment.

    • How you use each type is different. Flakes and granules do not make much dust and are easy to spread. Powder needs care so you do not breathe in dust. It is best for careful mixing.

    • The price is different for each type. Flakes cost the most because they are very pure. Granules cost a medium amount. Powder is the cheapest and can be used in many ways.

    • Sodium humate helps soil, helps animals grow, makes water better, and cleans pollution. This makes it a smart pick for farms, fish farms, and factories.

    Sodium Humate Overview

    What Is Sodium Humate

    You might ask, what is sodium humate? It is made from humic acids found in soil. These acids come from old plants and animals that break down. Scientists use a special liquid to get humic acids out of the soil. They clean it to take away extra minerals and ash. This makes a dark material that can mix with water. Sodium humate has many tiny organic molecules. These molecules have groups called carboxylic, aromatic, and aliphatic. They also have oxygen and nitrogen atoms. These groups help sodium humate work with minerals and metals in soil. Sodium humate mixes well with water when the pH is high. It forms small structures that can hold both water-loving and water-hating things. This makes sodium humate useful for many jobs.

    Main Features

    Sodium humate is special because of its features. It mixes easily with water, especially if the pH is high. It can grab onto metals and minerals in soil. This helps make soil better and gives more nutrients to plants. Sodium humate acts like a natural chelator. It holds onto nutrients so plants can use them. If you use good mineral-source humic acid, your plants grow better and soil gets healthier. Sodium humate also helps protect plants and animals from bad things. It works as an antioxidant and helps clean out toxins. Studies show it can help animals fight sickness and stop bad fungi in soil and water. You can trust sodium humate to make humic acid products work better in many places.

    Common Applications

    Sodium humate is used in many areas. Farmers use it to make soil better and help plants grow. It adds more organic matter to soil and helps plants get nutrients. In animal farming, it is put in feed to help animals stay healthy and grow. People who raise fish use humate to make water better and help fish stay healthy. For example, studies show sodium humate helps African catfish grow faster and use food better. It also helps fish fight sickness and stops bad molds in water. In factories, sodium humate is used in drilling fluids, ceramics, and dyes. It can also help hold building materials together. Sodium humate gives many benefits to soil, animals, and factories.

    Tip: If you pick sodium humate, you help soil, plants, and animals get stronger. It is a smart choice for farms, fish farms, or factories.

    Sodium Humate Production Process

    Raw Materials

    Leonardite is a special kind of rock from old plants. It has lots of humic acid, which is needed for good humate products. Some people use peat or old coal, but Leonardite works best for sodium humate. The quality and amount of these materials can change the final product. Experts check where the material comes from and how good it is before they start.

    • Leonardite is dug up, broken down, and crushed for use.

    • The material is checked for humic acid and how pure it is.

    • Supply chain workers watch the source to keep the product the same.

    Note: Good raw materials help make high-quality sodium humate that works well in many ways.

    Manufacturing Steps

    Making sodium humate uses both chemical and physical steps. All forms—flake, granular, and powder—start the same but use different ways to finish.

    1. Extraction: Workers mix Leonardite with hot sodium hydroxide. This pulls out humic substances and makes a liquid.

    2. Precipitation: Hydrochloric acid is added to the liquid. This makes humic acids come out.

    3. Purification: The humic acid is cleaned and filtered to take out extra minerals and ash.

    4. Conversion: The clean humic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to make sodium humate.

    After this, the process changes for each type:

    • Flake: The wet mix is dried with drum dryers. This makes shiny black flakes that dissolve well and have few impurities.

    • Granular: Disc granulation shapes the product into small, hard pieces. Sun drying or other ways keep the granules strong and easy to use.

    • Powder: The dry method grinds the material into fine powder. This form mixes and dissolves fast but may have more impurities.

    Each way gives a product with different sizes, how well it dissolves, and uses. Flakes and granules usually have fewer impurities. Powder is fast to make and simple to use.

    Quality Control

    You want your sodium humate to be high quality. Quality checks start with testing the Leonardite for humic acid. During making, workers test for purity, water, and how well it dissolves. They use filters and drying to keep the product clean and safe. Some companies track every batch with computers to make sure you get the same quality each time.

    • Lab tests check humic acid and unwanted minerals.

    • Water and particle size are measured for each batch.

    • Packaging is checked to keep the product fresh and easy to use.

    Tip: Good quality control means you can trust sodium humate for your farm, factory, or fishery.

    Flake Form

    Characteristics

    Appearance

    When you look at sodium humate flakes, you see shiny black pieces. These flakes have a smooth surface that reflects light. The color stands out because it comes from rich organic matter in the soil. You can spot these flakes easily because they do not look like powder or granules. The shiny look tells you that the product comes from high-quality Leonardite. You will notice that the flakes do not break apart easily when you touch them.

    Size

    You find that each flake measures about 1 to 3 millimeters. This size makes it easy for you to handle and spread the product. The uniform size helps you mix the flakes with other materials. You can use them in many ways, such as adding them to soil or dissolving them in water. The size also means you can measure the right amount for your needs. You do not have to worry about dust, which makes handling safer and cleaner.

    Solubility

    Sodium humate flakes show excellent solubility. You can see them dissolve quickly when you add them to water. This means the flakes are highly soluble in water, so you can use them in liquid applications. You do not need to wait long for the product to mix. The high solubility helps you get the benefits of humate faster. You can use the solution to improve soil or add it to irrigation systems. This feature makes sodium humate flakes a top choice for people who want quick results.

    Tip: If you want to boost soil health fast, choose flakes that are easy to dissolve.

    Purity

    You can trust the purity of sodium humate flakes. These flakes come from Leonardite, which gives them a high humic acid content. You get a product with few impurities. The manufacturing process removes extra minerals and ash. This means you add only the best humate to your soil. High purity helps you get better results in farming, gardening, or even industrial uses. You can feel confident that the flakes will not harm your crops or the environment.

    Note: Pure sodium humate flakes help you improve soil quality without adding unwanted materials.

    Uses

    You can use sodium humate flakes in many ways. These shiny black flakes work well in different jobs. They help in farming, fish farms, animal care, and factories.

    1. Agriculture

    Farmers put sodium humate flakes in soil as a fertilizer. The flakes make soil better and add more organic matter. Plants get more nutrients and grow stronger roots. You can mix the flakes with water for easy spreading. Many farmers like flakes because they dissolve fast and do not make dust.

    2. Aquaculture

    People who run fish or shrimp farms use sodium humate flakes to clean water. The flakes help keep pH balanced and lower bad things in water. Clean water helps fish stay healthy and grow well. You can put flakes in water or mix them with fish food. This helps fish fight sickness and stress.

    3. Animal Feed Additive

    You can add sodium humate flakes to animal feed for cows, chickens, and other animals. The flakes help animals digest food and take in more nutrients. Healthy animals grow faster and get sick less often. You can mix flakes in feed or put them in drinking water.

    4. Industrial Applications

    Factories use sodium humate flakes for many things. One big use is to stop metal from rusting. For example, scientists tested flakes made from leaf-mould to protect ship steel in acid. The test showed sodium humate makes a layer on steel. This layer keeps metal safe from rust, even in salty water. Factories use flakes as a safe way to protect metal tools.

    5. Soil and Water Remediation

    You can use sodium humate flakes to clean dirty soil and water. The flakes grab onto heavy metals and toxins. This makes them less dangerous. It helps land and water become safe again.

    Tip: Pick sodium humate flakes if you want one product for many jobs. They work well in farming, animal care, water cleaning, and factories.

    Sodium humate flakes give you an easy way to fix many problems. You can get better crops, healthier animals, cleaner water, and safer tools with these flakes.

    Granular Form

    Granular Form

    Characteristics

    Appearance

    Granular sodium humate looks like small, hard pieces. Some are round and smooth. These are called spherical sodium humate. Others look rough and uneven. These are called irregular sodium humate granule. The color is deep black from Leonardite. You can see the granules easily because they do not make dust. The surface feels hard, so you can touch them without breaking them.

    Size

    Granules come in many sizes, usually 1 to 4 millimeters. This size makes them easy to spread on soil. You can also mix them with other things. The even size helps you measure the right amount. You can use machines or your hands to spread them. The size keeps them from blowing away in the wind.

    Solubility

    Granular sodium humate mixes well with water. The granules break down fast if you stir them. Lab tests show they dissolve over 98% in five minutes. They work in many pH levels, from acid to base. You can use them in many soils and water types. The solution stays clear and does not block irrigation tools. You can use them in drip systems or spray nozzles with no trouble. The table below shows how granular sodium humate compares to other types:

    Property/Characteristic

    Granular Sodium Humate

    Conventional Granular Potassium Humate

    Solubility in water/fertilizer solution

    >98% in 5 minutes

    Poor solubility in acidic solutions

    pH range of solubility

    2 to 12

    Limited in acidic conditions

    Application through irrigation equipment

    No clogging

    May clog equipment

    Granule size

    0.1 mm to 6.0 mm

    N/A

    Tip: You can use granular sodium humate in many soils and irrigation systems because it dissolves very well.

    Purity

    Granular sodium humate is very pure. It comes from Leonardite, which has lots of humic acid. The process removes extra minerals and ash, so it is clean. Studies show these granules have active groups like carboxyl and phenolic-hydroxyl. These groups help soil and plants get better. You can trust the granules will not add bad things to your soil. The high purity means you get good results in farming, animal care, and factories.

    Note: Pure granules help you make soil and plants healthier with no worries.

    Uses

    Granular sodium humate is useful in many ways. Its size, purity, and how fast it dissolves make it work well. Farmers, animal experts, and fish farm managers all use it.

    1. Animal Feed Additive

    You can put granular sodium humate in animal feed. It helps chickens, pigs, and cows grow strong and healthy. Chickens digest food better and get healthier stomachs. Pigs use more nutrients from their food and grow well. Dairy cows give more milk and farmers save money on feed. More dairy farms are starting to use it, but it sometimes costs more at first.

    Here is a table that shows how granular sodium humate helps animals:

    Application Sector

    Documented Use and Effectiveness

    Supporting Details

    Poultry Feed

    Makes feed work better and helps gut health

    Most used in this group; helps animals stay healthy and productive

    Swine Feed

    Helps pigs digest and use food better

    Many pig farms use it; more farms want it now

    Dairy Feed

    Helps cows make more milk and saves money

    More farms use it each year; some wait because of cost

    Aquaculture

    Helps fish grow and use food better

    More fish farms use it as seafood demand grows

    2. Aquaculture

    Fish and shrimp farms use granular sodium humate too. It keeps water clean and helps fish grow faster. It balances the pH and lowers bad things in the water. Fish and shrimp get sick less and grow stronger. More fish farms use it now because it helps them grow more fish in a safe way.

    3. Soil Conditioner and Fertilizer

    You can spread granular sodium humate on fields. It adds organic matter and helps soil hold water. Plants get more food and roots grow deeper. You can use it with other fertilizers or by itself. The granules do not blow away, so they cover the ground well.

    4. Industrial Applications

    Factories use granular sodium humate in different ways. It is added to drilling fluids for oil and gas. It also helps in making ceramics and dyes. Its purity and how well it dissolves help factories get good results.

    Tip: You can mix granular sodium humate with probiotics or enzymes in animal feed. New methods like encapsulation help animals use the nutrients better.

    Granular sodium humate is good for many jobs. It works well in farming, animal care, fish farms, and factories.

    Powder Form

    Powder Form

    Characteristics

    Appearance

    When you look at sodium humate powder, you see a fine, black dust. The color is deep and uniform. You can feel how soft and light it is when you touch it. This powder does not have any lumps or large pieces. It spreads easily and mixes well with other materials. The fine texture helps you blend it into feed, water, or soil without trouble. You will notice that it does not create much mess during use.

    Size

    The size of the powder is very small. Most particles measure between 80 and 100 mesh. This means the grains are tiny and almost like dust. You can see how quickly it disappears when you add it to water or mix it with other products. The small size lets you measure and use it with great accuracy. You can add just the right amount to animal feed or soil. This makes it a favorite for people who want fast results and easy handling.

    Solubility

    You will find that sodium humate powder dissolves very well in water. The fine particles break apart quickly, so you do not need to wait long. You can stir it into water, and it forms a smooth, even solution. This high solubility means you can use it in many ways. You can add it to irrigation systems, animal drinking water, or liquid fertilizers. The powder does not leave clumps or block pipes. You get a clear solution that spreads nutrients evenly. This makes it easy to use in both large farms and small gardens.

    Tip: If you want a product that mixes fast and works in many systems, choose the powder form for your soil or feed needs.

    Purity

    You can trust the purity of sodium humate powder. It comes from high-quality Leonardite, which gives it a rich humic acid content. The manufacturing process removes extra minerals and ash, so you get a clean product. The powder form often has customizable humic acid levels, so you can pick what fits your needs. You will find that this purity helps your soil and animals stay healthy. The powder forms a protective film on the intestinal lining in animals, reducing toxin absorption. It absorbs toxic residues and heavy metals, stabilizes gut flora, and fixes harmful substances in feed. Studies show that humic acids in powder form improve animal growth, meat quality, and immune health. You can use it for poultry, cattle, or pigs to boost nutrient absorption and overall well-being. The powder also supports wound healing and tissue repair, making it a smart choice for many uses.

    Note: Pure sodium humate powder helps you protect your soil, animals, and crops with every use.

    Uses

    You can use sodium humate powder in many areas. It works fast and mixes easily. This type helps animals stay healthy, helps fish farms, and cleans the environment. You can add it to feed, water, or soil without trouble.

    1. Animal Nutrition and Health

    Farmers put sodium humate powder in animal feed or water. They use it for dairy calves, chickens, pigs, and cows. When dairy calves get it, they grow faster and stay healthy. One study with Holstein calves showed good results. Calves who got the powder gained more weight and got sick less. Their immune systems were stronger. They had more good bacteria in their stomachs and less diarrhea. These changes happened in just a few weeks.

    2. Aquaculture

    Fish and shrimp farms use sodium humate powder to help water and animals. You can add it to shrimp ponds or fish tanks. The powder helps shrimp grow bigger and healthier. It also helps their bodies use food better. Good bacteria in the water grow more. For tilapia and rainbow trout, the powder in feed helps them grow and stay healthy. Fish get stronger and their meat is better.

    3. Environmental Protection

    You can use sodium humate powder to clean dirty water and soil. It acts like a sponge and grabs harmful metals and chemicals. Factories and farms use it to take out bad gases and metals from water. It can remove things like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, copper, and dyes. You can mix the powder with clay or starch to make a gel. This gel traps the bad stuff. It makes water and soil safer for people, plants, and animals.

    Tip: Pick sodium humate powder if you want something that mixes fast and works in many jobs. It is good for animal care, fish farms, and cleaning up pollution.

    Here is a table that shows how sodium humate powder helps in different areas:

    Sector

    Application

    Effects/Outcomes

    Study Details

    Dairy Calf Farming

    Oral supplement for calves

    Better growth, stronger immunity, more good gut bacteria, less diarrhea

    53-day trial with Holstein calves; 5g daily dose gave best results

    Aquaculture

    Water additive for shrimp, feed for tilapia/trout

    Faster growth, better enzyme activity, improved water and gut health, higher meat quality

    Studies on shrimp, tilapia, and trout showed improved growth and health

    Environmental

    Pollution control in water and soil

    Removed harmful gases and metals, cleaned up dyes, made water and soil safer

    Sodium humate powder mixed with clay or starch formed gels to trap pollutants

    You can see that sodium humate powder gives you many ways to fix problems in farming, animal care, fish farms, and the environment.

    Comparison

    Table of Differences

    You want to see how flake, granular, and powder forms compare. The table below shows the main features side by side. This helps you choose the best type for your needs.

    Attribute

    Flake Sodium Humate

    Granular Sodium Humate

    Powder Sodium Humate

    Appearance

    Shiny black flakes

    Small, hard black granules

    Fine, black powder

    Size

    1–3 mm

    1–2 mm or 2–4 mm

    80–100 mesh (very fine)

    Solubility

    95–100% (fast)

    ≥95% (fast, no clogging)

    ≥95% (very fast)

    Purity

    Humic acid ≥60%, organic matter ≥85%

    Humic acid ≥60%, organic matter ≥90%

    Humic acid 20–70% (custom), organic matter ≥65%

    Handling

    Low dust, easy to spread

    No dust, easy to apply

    Light, may create dust

    Uses

    Soil, water, feed, industry

    Feed, soil, aquaculture, industry

    Feed, water, soil, pollution control

    Packaging

    25 kg kraft bags, 27 tons/40HQ

    25 kg kraft bags, 24 tons/20GP

    25 kg kraft bags, 25 tons/20GP

    Best For

    Quick soil improvement, water treatment

    Animal feed, soil, aquaculture

    Fast mixing, animal health, pollution cleanup

    Tip: Use this table to match the right form to your job. Each type gives you special benefits.

    Key Points

    You need to know the main differences before you choose. Each form of sodium humate has unique strengths. Here are the key points to help you decide:

    • Flake sodium humate works best when you want quick results in soil or water. The flakes dissolve fast and have high purity. You can use them in farming, aquaculture, or as a feed additive. The shiny flakes are easy to handle and do not make dust.

    • Granular sodium humate gives you strong, hard pieces that do not break apart easily. You can spread them on fields or mix them into animal feed. The granules dissolve quickly and do not clog irrigation systems. You get high purity and easy handling with no dust.

    • Powder sodium humate mixes the fastest in water or feed. The fine powder lets you measure small amounts with care. You can use it for animal health, water treatment, or cleaning up pollution. The powder form can have different humic acid levels, so you can pick what fits your needs.

    You see the quality difference of sodium humate in each form. Flakes and granules often have higher humic acid and organic matter. Powder gives you more choices for humic acid content. You can pick the form that matches your work, whether you farm, raise animals, or run a factory.

    Note: Think about how you will use sodium humate. Choose the form that fits your job, your tools, and your goals.

    Selection Factors

    Application Needs

    You should always start by thinking about how you plan to use sodium humate. Each form works best for certain jobs. If you want to improve soil quickly, flakes dissolve fast and spread nutrients well. Granules work well for animal feed or when you need slow release in soil. Powder mixes quickly in water and works best for animal health or cleaning up pollution.

    Here is a simple guide to help you match your needs:

    Your Goal

    Best Form

    Why It Works Well

    Fast soil improvement

    Flake

    Dissolves quickly in water

    Animal feed additive

    Granular/Powder

    Easy to mix, supports digestion

    Aquaculture water quality

    Flake/Granular

    Balances pH, keeps water clean

    Pollution control

    Powder

    Fine texture, absorbs toxins

    Tip: Think about your main goal. Pick the form that matches your job for the best results.

    Handling

    Handling sodium humate should feel easy and safe. Flakes do not make much dust, so you can spread them without mess. Granules feel hard and do not break apart, which makes them simple to measure and apply. You can use machines or your hands to spread them. Powder feels very light and fine. It mixes fast but may create dust if you pour it quickly.

    You should also think about storage. All forms come in strong kraft bags. You can stack these bags in a dry place. If you want less mess, flakes and granules work best. If you need to mix small amounts or want fast results, powder is a good choice.

    Note: Always wear gloves and a mask when handling powder to keep safe from dust.

    Cost

    Cost matters when you choose sodium humate. Flakes and granules often cost a bit more because they need extra steps to make. Powder usually costs less and gives you more choices for humic acid content. You should also think about how much you need for your job. Sometimes, a form that costs more works better and saves you money in the long run.

    Here are some points to help you compare:

    • Flakes: Higher price, high purity, fast results

    • Granules: Medium price, easy to handle, good for feed

    • Powder: Lower price, mixes fast, flexible use

    Tip: Check with your supplier for bulk prices or custom packaging. You can often save money by ordering the right amount for your needs.

    You have learned that flake, granular, and powder sodium humate are all helpful in different ways. Flakes melt fast in water or soil. Granules are good for animal feed and do not make dust. Powder mixes quickly and is great for animal health or cleaning up pollution. If you want to control metal ions in soil or water, think about how sodium humate holds copper and zinc in different ways. For animals, using zinc and selenium chelated sodium humate can help them grow and get sick less. Pick the type that fits your needs best, and talk to suppliers if you want something special.

    FAQ

    What is the main difference between flake, granular, and powder sodium humate?

    You see flakes as shiny pieces, granules as small hard bits, and powder as fine dust. Each form dissolves at a different speed and works best for certain jobs in farming, animal care, or water treatment.

    Can you mix sodium humate with other fertilizers?

    Yes, you can mix sodium humate with most fertilizers. It helps plants use nutrients better. Always check the compatibility with your specific fertilizer before mixing.

    Which form should you choose for animal feed?

    You should use granular or powder sodium humate for animal feed. Both forms mix well with feed and support animal health. Granules do not create dust, while powder blends quickly.

    How do you store sodium humate products?

    Store sodium humate in a dry, cool place. Keep the bags sealed to protect from moisture. You should avoid direct sunlight and water contact to keep the product fresh.

    Is sodium humate safe for fish and shrimp?

    Yes, sodium humate is safe for fish and shrimp. You can use it in aquaculture to improve water quality and support healthy growth. Always follow the recommended dosage for best results.

    Can you use sodium humate in organic farming?

    You can use sodium humate in organic farming. It comes from natural Leonardite and adds organic matter to soil. Many organic farmers choose it to boost soil health and plant growth.

    How fast does sodium humate dissolve in water?

    Powder dissolves the fastest, followed by flakes, then granules. You can stir each form in water for quick mixing. Use warm water to speed up the process if needed.

    Does sodium humate have a shelf life?

    Yes, sodium humate has a long shelf life. You can store it for up to two years if you keep it dry and sealed. Always check the packaging for the best-before date.

    See Also

    Comparing Potassium Fulvate And Humate: Uses And Differences

    Exploring Sodium Humate Applications And Uses Across Vietnam

    Which Works Better: Sodium Humate Or Other Aquaculture Additives

    Understanding Mineral Humic Acid And Its Difference From Others

    How Sodium Humate Supports Progress In Agriculture And Industry