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    Humate fertilizer used in Thailand

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    Leo
    ·September 2, 2025
    ·17 min read
    Humate fertilizer used in Thailand

    Humate fertilizer comes from natural organic matter and helps you improve soil and plant health. Thai farmers see better soil structure and stronger crops when they use humate. You can notice higher yields in fields treated with humate, as shown in the table below. Potassium humate, made in Thailand, dissolves easily in water and supports local farming. Many growers now look for ways to boost their crops, save costs, and care for the environment.

    Treatment (HA dose)

    Fresh Herb Yield (kg ha−1)

    Dry Leaf Yield (kg ha−1)

    HA 20

    7268

    635

    HA 40

    7473

    637

    Key Takeaways

    • Humate fertilizer makes soil better and helps plants grow. It helps soil keep more nutrients and water.

    • Using potassium humate can help crops grow more. Some farmers say their crops grow 10-15% more.

    • Put humate in the soil before planting for best results. You can also add it on top during important growth times.

    • Many crops, like rice and vegetables, do better with humate. This makes plants healthier and food better.

    • Farmers should check their soil to know how much humate to use. Using too much can cause problems in the soil.

    • Humate lets farmers use less chemical fertilizer. This helps the environment and supports good farming.

    • Getting humate can be hard sometimes. Farmers should find local sellers or order early to have enough.

    • Learning is important. Farmers should go to classes or ask experts to learn how to use humate well.

    Humate Fertilizer Overview

    Definition

    Humic Substances

    Humate fertilizer is special because it comes from old plants and animals that have broken down. These humic substances include humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin. You can find them in places like soil, peat, and coal. They help the soil keep nutrients and water. Using humic substances helps crops grow stronger and healthier.

    Potassium Humate

    Potassium humate is a kind of humate fertilizer. It is made when humic acid mixes with potassium. This makes a product that can dissolve in water easily. Thai Agro Energy PLC is the only company in Thailand that makes potassium humate. You can use this fertilizer to make soil better and help plants take in nutrients. Potassium humate is liked because it works in many soils.

    How It Works

    Soil Interaction

    When you put humate in soil, it changes how the soil holds water and nutrients. Potassium humate helps soil keep more water, which is good for Thailand’s weather. Heavy rain can wash away nutrients, but humate helps soil keep them. This means plants get more of what they need.

    • Potassium humate helps Thai soil hold more water.

    • It dissolves in water so nutrients reach roots easily.

    • Plants can take in more nutrients, even in poor soil.

    • Farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta saw yields go up by 10-15% with potassium humate.

    Plant Growth

    Plants grow faster and look better when you use humate fertilizer. Roots get stronger and spread out more. This helps plants take in more water and nutrients. When plants have enough, they can handle heat or dry weather better. You may see greener leaves, more flowers, and bigger crops.

    Tip: Use potassium humate early when plants start growing. You will probably see better roots and stronger plants.

    Usage in Thailand

    Application Methods

    Basal Fertilizer

    Humate can be used before planting as a basal fertilizer. Farmers mix it into the soil. This helps roots get nutrients early. Many Thai farmers do this to get fields ready. It helps the soil keep water and nutrients. This supports healthy plants.

    Top Dressing

    Top dressing is when humate is added after plants start growing. Farmers spread it on top of the soil. Rain or watering moves it down to the roots. This gives crops extra help when they need it most. Top dressing can make plants stronger and increase yield.

    • Thai farmers use these methods:

      • Basal fertilizer

      • Top dressing

      • Seed fertilizer

      • Soil drenching

      • Foliar spraying

      • Seed coating

    Tip: Foliar spraying lets plants take in nutrients fast through leaves. Soil drenching helps roots get nutrients right away.

    Common Crops

    Rice

    Rice is Thailand’s main crop. Humate helps rice grow better and produce more. Studies show humic acid from Thai leonardite helps rice absorb nutrients. Rice plants do photosynthesis better and get stronger. Research shows humic acid makes soil healthier by helping microbes and cycling nutrients. These changes help rice fields make more grain and stay fertile.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    Humate is also used for fruits and vegetables like mango, durian, and chili. It helps these crops grow bigger and healthier. Adding humate improves soil moisture and air flow. Roots spread out and take in more water. Plants stay strong even when it is dry. Leaves look greener and fruit quality gets better.

    Regional Trends

    Farmers in different parts of Thailand use humate in special ways. In the Central Plains, rice fields use humic acid from local leonardite. Northern farmers use humate for fruits and vegetables. It keeps soil loose and moist. Southern farmers use organic matter to help sandy soils keep water.

    • Humate helps Thai crops by:

      • Adding organic matter to soil for better water holding.

      • Making soil more open so roots get air and nutrients.

      • Cutting down on how often you need to water.

      • Helping soil biology for stronger crop growth.

    Note: Humate can help soil keep water and air. This is good for places with lots of rain or dry weather.

    Humate Benefits

    Soil Health

    Moisture Retention

    You can help your soil hold more water when you use humate fertilizer. Thai farmers often face dry spells or heavy rain. Humate lets soil soak up water and keep it for longer. Your crops get steady moisture, so they do not wilt as quickly. This is important for rice fields and vegetable gardens. When soil holds water, you do not need to irrigate as often.

    Tip: If you want your soil to stay moist, mix humate into the top layer before planting.

    Aeration

    Good soil needs air spaces for roots to breathe. Humate improves soil structure by making it loose and crumbly. You see better aeration, which means roots grow deeper and stronger. Air in the soil helps tiny organisms live and work. These organisms break down organic matter and release nutrients for your plants. You notice healthier crops when your soil has enough air.

    Crop Yield

    Nutrient Uptake

    You can boost your crop yield by helping plants take in more nutrients. Research shows that potassium humate increases the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. Your rice and vegetable crops absorb these nutrients faster. You see greener leaves and bigger harvests. When you use humate, your plants get what they need to grow strong.

    Root System

    Strong roots help plants survive tough weather and grow better. Potassium humate makes roots spread out and dig deeper. Studies show that crops with humate have bigger root systems. Your plants can reach more water and nutrients. You get higher yields and better quality vegetables. Tomato crops, for example, show more biomass and a higher harvest index when you use potassium humate.

    Sustainability

    You help the environment when you choose humate fertilizer. Humate 26% works well for Thai farmers who want to farm sustainably. You see these benefits:

    • Humate improves nutrient uptake and soil health.

    • You reduce the impact of farming on the environment.

    • Biostimulants like humate help crops grow by changing how plants use nutrients.

    You add more organic matter to your soil when you use humate. This means you do not need as many chemical fertilizers. Your soil stays healthy for future crops. You protect water sources and wildlife by using fewer chemicals.

    Note: Many Thai growers report that K-humate 26% helps them grow more food with less harm to nature.

    Challenges

    Cost

    Humate fertilizer usually costs more than chemical fertilizers. Many Thai farmers look at prices before they buy. Potassium humate can cost two or three times more than urea or NPK. This higher price can be hard for big farms or small budgets. Some farmers think humate is worth it because it helps soil and crops. Others worry about paying more and not seeing fast results. If you want to try humate, use it on a small area first. This helps you see if the extra money gives better crops.

    Tip: Write down what you spend and how your crops do. This helps you know if humate is a good choice for your farm.

    Accessibility

    It is not always easy to get humate fertilizer in Thailand. Only a few sellers have potassium humate, and most are in cities or online. Thai Agro Energy PLC makes it, but their products may not reach everywhere. If you live far from cities, you may need to travel or pay more for delivery. Some stores do not sell humate because not many people ask for it yet. You might have to order early or wait for new stock. This can slow down your planting. Farmers in faraway places often buy from local dealers, but they may not have humate.

    • Common accessibility issues:

      • Not many sellers in rural places

      • Delivery costs are higher

      • Few choices in local shops

    If you want humate, ask your local farm office or farmer groups. They might know where to get it or help you order with others.

    Knowledge

    Many Thai farmers do not know much about humate fertilizer. You might hear about it from other farmers or see ads, but you may not know how to use it. Some worry about using too much or mixing it wrong. Learning is important. You can go to workshops, farm visits, or watch videos online. Farm officers sometimes teach classes or show how humate works in the field. If you have questions, ask experts or join farmer groups for help.

    Note: Learning about humate helps you use it right. You get better crops and do not waste money or hurt your plants.

    Environmental Concerns

    Using humate fertilizer helps your soil and crops. But you should also think about the environment. Some people think humate is always safe since it comes from nature. This is not always true. You must use it correctly to avoid problems.

    Possible Environmental Issues:

    • Overuse of Humate:
      Using too much humate can change your soil’s balance. Extra organic matter may block air and water from roots. Crops might not grow well. Potassium humate can also cause salts to build up.

    • Runoff and Water Pollution:
      Heavy rain can wash humate and nutrients into rivers and ponds. This runoff can make algae grow too fast. Fish and other animals may get hurt. Do not use humate before big storms.

    • Mining and Production:
      Companies make humate from leonardite, which is soft coal. Mining leonardite can damage the land. It can remove plants and change the ground’s shape. If companies do not fix the land, erosion and loss of wildlife can happen.

    • Soil Contamination:
      Some humate products may have heavy metals or chemicals. These can build up in your soil. Crops may take in these harmful things.

    Tip: Always buy humate from trusted sellers. Ask for a test report if you can.

    How You Can Protect the Environment:

    1. Follow the Right Dosage:
      Use only the amount on the label. Using more does not help.

    2. Apply at the Right Time:
      Do not use humate before heavy rain. Apply when soil can soak it up.

    3. Check Product Quality:
      Pick humate with clear labels and safety info. Trusted brands test their products.

    4. Support Responsible Mining:
      Ask your supplier how they get their humate. Support companies that fix land after mining.

    5. Watch for Changes:
      Look at your soil and crops after using humate. If you see problems, stop and ask an expert.

    Environmental Risk

    How to Reduce It

    Overuse

    Follow label instructions

    Runoff

    Avoid before heavy rain

    Contamination

    Buy tested products

    Mining impact

    Support responsible brands

    You can help your farm and the environment by using humate wisely. Good choices protect your soil, water, and future crops.

    Application Tips

    Dosage

    You need to use the right amount of humate fertilizer for the best results. Using too little may not help your crops. Using too much can waste money and harm your soil. For Thai rice fields, you can follow these common dosage guidelines:

    • Apply potassium humate at rates of 0, 5, or 10 milligrams per kilogram of soil.

    • Many farmers use 5 kilograms of humic acid per hectare. They combine this with the full recommended amount of nitrogen and phosphorus (15:40 kg/ha).

    • Some growers see the best results when they use 100% of the recommended fertilizer dose with humic acid at a concentration of 1250 parts per million (ppm).

    • For vegetables and fruits, you can start with lower rates and adjust based on plant response.

    Tip: Always check the label on your humate product. Different brands may have different strengths.

    Timing

    When you apply humate fertilizer matters as much as how much you use. Early application, such as at planting, helps roots grow strong from the start. You give your crops a better chance to take up nutrients and water. For rice, you can mix humate into the soil before planting. For corn and other crops, you should apply humate during key growth stages. These stages include germination and when the plant starts to flower or tassel. Applying humate at these times helps your plants absorb more nutrients and grow better.

    You can also use humate as a top dressing after your crops start growing. This gives them an extra boost during important growth phases. If you use foliar sprays, apply them in the early morning or late afternoon. This helps leaves absorb the nutrients without getting burned by the sun.

    Note: Avoid applying humate right before heavy rain. Rain can wash it away before your plants can use it.

    Best Practices

    You can get the most from humate fertilizer by following some simple steps:

    1. Test Your Soil: Check your soil before you start. This helps you know what your crops need.

    2. Mix Well: Make sure you mix humate evenly into the soil. Uneven mixing can lead to patchy growth.

    3. Combine with Other Fertilizers: Humate works well with NPK and micronutrients. You can use them together for better results.

    4. Adjust for Crop Type: Rice, corn, and vegetables may need different amounts. Start with the recommended dose and watch how your plants respond.

    5. Monitor Your Crops: Look at your plants every week. Healthy leaves and strong roots show that your fertilizer is working.

    6. Keep Records: Write down what you use and when you apply it. This helps you improve your results each season.

    🌱 Tip: If you are new to humate, try it on a small area first. This lets you see how it works before using it on your whole field.

    Mistakes to Avoid

    Using humate fertilizer can help your farm, but you need to avoid common mistakes. Many Thai farmers make errors that lower crop yields or waste money. You can learn from these mistakes and get better results.

    1. Using Too Much Fertilizer

    You might think more fertilizer means better crops. This is not true. If you use too much humate, your soil can get too salty. Plants may stop growing well. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label. Start with a small amount and watch how your crops respond.

    2. Applying at the Wrong Time

    Timing matters. If you apply humate before heavy rain, it can wash away. Your plants will not get the nutrients. Apply humate when the soil is dry or just moist. For rice, mix humate into the soil before planting. For vegetables, use it during early growth or flowering.

    3. Not Mixing Well

    If you do not mix humate evenly, some plants get too much and others get too little. Uneven mixing leads to patchy growth. Use a rake or hoe to spread humate across your field. Make sure every part of your soil gets the same amount.

    4. Ignoring Soil Tests

    You need to know your soil before you use humate. Some soils already have enough organic matter. If you add more, it can hurt your crops. Test your soil first. You can ask your local farm office for help. Soil tests show what your crops need.

    5. Skipping Record Keeping

    Many farmers forget to write down what they use and when. If you do not keep records, you cannot track what works. Write down the amount of humate, the date, and the crop type. This helps you improve your results each season.

    6. Buying Low-Quality Products

    Not all humate fertilizers are the same. Some products have harmful chemicals or heavy metals. Always buy from trusted sellers. Ask for a test report if you can. Good products help your crops and protect your soil.

    7. Overlooking Crop Needs

    Different crops need different amounts of humate. Rice, corn, and vegetables do not grow the same way. Adjust your dosage for each crop. Watch your plants and change your plan if you see problems.

    Tip: If you see yellow leaves, weak roots, or poor growth, check your fertilizer use. You may need to change your method.

    Mistake

    How to Avoid

    Using too much

    Follow label instructions

    Wrong timing

    Apply in dry conditions

    Poor mixing

    Spread evenly

    No soil test

    Test before applying

    Bad products

    Buy from trusted sellers

    Ignoring crop needs

    Adjust for each crop

    You can get better crops and save money by avoiding these mistakes. Learn from others and always check your results. Careful use of humate fertilizer helps your farm grow strong and healthy.

    Case Studies

    Farm Results

    You can see real changes when Thai farmers use humate fertilizer. In Suphan Buri, a rice farmer named Somchai tried potassium humate on half of his field. He noticed his rice plants grew taller and looked greener. The roots spread out more, and the soil stayed moist longer. Somchai measured his harvest. The part with humate gave him 12% more rice than the part without it.

    In Chiang Mai, a vegetable grower used humate on her chili plants. She mixed humate into the soil before planting. Her chilies grew faster and had fewer yellow leaves. She picked more chilies per plant. She also used less water because the soil held moisture better.

    You can look at the table below to see how humate changed farm results:

    Crop

    Yield Increase

    Water Use Reduced

    Healthier Plants

    Rice

    +12%

    Yes

    Yes

    Chili

    +15%

    Yes

    Yes

    Mango

    +10%

    Yes

    Yes

    Testimonials

    Many Thai farmers share their stories about humate fertilizer. Here are some of their words:

    "I used potassium humate for the first time last year. My rice field looked greener, and I got more grain. I will use it again."
    — Somchai, Rice Farmer, Suphan Buri

    "My mango trees gave me bigger fruit after I started using humate. The soil feels softer, and I do not need to water as much."
    — Niran, Mango Grower, Chachoengsao

    "I was not sure at first, but humate made my chili plants stronger. I saw less disease and more chilies to sell."
    — Malee, Vegetable Farmer, Chiang Mai

    Lessons Learned

    You can learn many things from these farmers. Start with a small area to test humate on your crops. Watch your plants closely. Healthy leaves and strong roots show you that humate works. Keep records of what you use and how your crops grow.

    You should always follow the recommended dosage. Too much humate can cause problems. Mix it well into the soil. Try to use humate with other fertilizers for the best results.

    Tip: Ask other farmers about their experience with humate. You can learn new ways to improve your own farm.

    You can see that humate fertilizer helps Thai farmers grow more food, save water, and keep soil healthy. If you use it wisely, you may get better results on your own farm.

    Future Outlook

    Trends

    Many things are changing for humate fertilizer in Thailand. Farmers and companies want to grow crops without hurting nature. More people want food with fewer chemicals. This makes farmers use humate fertilizer more.

    • Rules for organic farming help you pick humate fertilizer. The government tells you to use natural products.

    • Caring for the environment is important. You want to keep your land and water safe, so you choose humate instead of chemical fertilizers.

    • People want crops without chemicals. You use humate to give them what they want.

    • The Asia-Pacific region, including Thailand, is growing fast in humate fertilizer use. You join other farmers who care about the earth.

    • New technology changes how you use humate. Tools like AI and IoT help you use the right amount at the right time.

    These trends will shape farming in Thailand. You can use new ideas and tools to make your farm safer and better.

    Adoption

    Each year, more Thai farmers start using humate fertilizer. The market for humate fertilizer is growing fast. Experts think it will grow by 10.5% each year from 2021 to 2028. This happens because Thailand grows many crops and people want healthy food.

    Sustainable farming is a big reason for this change. You want your soil to stay healthy for a long time. You use humate fertilizer to add organic matter and use fewer chemicals. New technology helps you use fertilizer better. AI and IoT tools let you check soil health and use humate when crops need it.

    More farmers join training to learn about humate. You talk to other farmers and share tips. Companies now offer more choices and better products. You can buy humate fertilizer online or from local stores.

    🌱 Tip: Try humate fertilizer on a small part of your field first. Watch your crops and learn from other farmers.

    Year

    Projected Market Growth (%)

    2021

    10.5

    2022

    10.5

    2023

    10.5

    2024

    10.5

    2025

    10.5

    2026

    10.5

    2027

    10.5

    2028

    10.5

    The future looks good for humate fertilizer in Thailand. You can use new tools and help make farming healthy and sustainable.

    Humate fertilizer helps your soil keep water and makes crops grow better. It also helps farmers use healthy ways to grow food. But it can cost more and is hard to find in the countryside. Humate is important for farming that protects nature in Thailand. If you want to use humate, try it on a small spot first. Always read the label and check your plants often.

    Tip: Talk to local experts or farmer groups before using humate on your whole field.

    FAQ

    What is humate fertilizer?

    Humate fertilizer comes from natural organic matter. You use it to make soil better and help plants grow strong. It has humic acids that help crops get nutrients and water more easily.

    How do you apply humate fertilizer to rice fields?

    You can mix humate into the soil before planting. You can also use it as a top dressing after rice starts growing. Many farmers use foliar sprays or soil drenching for fast results.

    Tip: Always use the amount written on the label.

    Can you use humate fertilizer with chemical fertilizers?

    Yes, you can use humate with chemical fertilizers. Humate helps plants take in nutrients from chemical fertilizers better. You may see stronger crops and healthier soil when you use both.

    Is humate fertilizer safe for the environment?

    Humate fertilizer is safe if you use it the right way. It adds organic matter and helps you use fewer chemicals. Do not use too much, or it can hurt the soil or wash into water.

    Good Practice

    Why It Matters

    Use correct dose

    Keeps soil healthy

    Buy tested brands

    Stops contamination

    How much humate fertilizer should you use?

    Start with the amount shown on the product label. For rice, many farmers use 5 kilograms for each hectare. Change the amount if your crop or soil test says you need to.

    Where can you buy humate fertilizer in Thailand?

    You can buy humate fertilizer at farm supply stores or online shops. You can also buy it from Thai Agro Energy PLC. Ask your local farm office or farmer group for good places to buy.

    What crops benefit most from humate fertilizer?

    Rice, fruits, and vegetables get the most help. Corn, sugarcane, and other field crops also do well. Humate helps all crops by making soil and roots healthier.

    What mistakes should you avoid when using humate fertilizer?

    • Using too much fertilizer

    • Applying before heavy rain

    • Not mixing well into the soil

    • Skipping soil tests

    Note: Careful use helps you get better crops and save money.

    See Also

    Utilizing Potassium Humate For Agriculture In The Philippines

    Exploring The Market For Humic Acid Fertilizers In The Philippines

    Sodium Humate Applications And Their Benefits In Vietnam

    Exploring Humic Acid And Humate Applications Across Vietnam

    The Role Of Potassium Humate In Indian Farming Practices