HUMIC ACIDS FROM EARTHWORM HUMUS

Humic acids produced in earthworm humus (also called VERMICOMPOST) are the result of biological processing of organic matter in the digestive tract of earthworms, specifically the species Eisenia fetida. In the vermicomposting process, microorganisms and enzymes in the earthworm gut break down plant residues, promoting the formation of stable humic compounds. These humic acids have high biological activity, as they are more accessible to plants than those from passive humification. Due to their high content of fulvic acids, microbes, and enzymes, they improve nutrient absorption, stimulate root growth, and increase plant resistance to stress factors.

ADVANTAGES OF EARTHWORM HUMUS HUMIC ACIDS COMPARED TO LEONARDITE OR ALGAE EXTRACTS

Molecular Structure:

• H/C atomic ratio (hydrogen/carbon) indicates high presence of aliphatic chains and lower degree of aromatization, meaning greater biological activity

• O/C ratio ≈ 0.6 shows high content of oxygen functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, amide, and amine groups

• Nitrogen content is high and comparable to peat humic acids, further improving their nutritional value for plants

• Contains carbohydrates, amino acids, aromatic (benzoid) groups, and a high degree of oxidation, affecting their chemical reactivity and complexation capacity

KEY BENEFITS OF EARTHWORM HUMUS HUMIC ACIDS

Advantages Over Other Sources:

• Higher solubility and biological effectiveness

• Rich source of natural growth hormones (auxin, gibberellin)

• Improved microbial activity in soil

• Increased fertility and nutrient retention

AMINO ACIDS IN EARTHWORM HUMUS

Identified amino acids in humic substances from earthworm humus:

Neutral: Glycine, Valine, Alanine, Leucine, Isoleucine
Dicarboxylic: Asparagine, Glutamine, Ornithine
Cyclic: Proline, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine
Sulfur-containing: Cystine, Methionine
Hydroxy acids: Threonine, Serine
Basic: Arginine, Lysine, Histidine

This amino acid composition is similar to natural humus substances formed in soils under deciduous trees or grassland vegetation, indicating ecological compatibility and high quality of these extracts.

Application