The introduction of humic compounds into soil is one of the methods to increase production of good quality food while maintaining soil fertility. The first product of the new unit will be Tohumus, an organic-mineral plant growth stimulator. Three more humus products are expected to be added to the Grupa Azoty Group’s portfolio by the end of the second quarter of 2022. Customers for the new product include Poli-Farm, a manufacturer of plant elicitors and stimulators.

What mainly distinguishes the Grupa Azoty Group’s humic acids from other products of this type is their guaranteed quality. They are produced based on a proprietary technology for making growth stimulators from a natural raw material, that is lignite. The process takes place in relatively low temperatures (40–50°C), which do not cause thermal degradation of humic acid chains, thus increasing their efficacy in agricultural applications. The efficacy of Tohumus has been evaluated bythe Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute and the National Institute of Horticultural Research in Skierniewice, both of which confirmed a significant effect on root- mass growth and yield increase. The manufacturing technology was developed based on laboratory tests, which led to securing patent protection and, as a consequence, building the production unit.

‘The launch of the pilot line is a tangible result of another innovative project implemented at the Grupa Azoty Research and Development Centre. The new product will enhance our competitive position domestically, but also on the international fertilizer market. Our new fertilizer products are perfectly in tune with the European Green Deal and the needs of modern agriculture worldwide,’ said Tomasz Hinc, President of the Management Board of Grupa Azoty S.A.

Soils in Poland have a low humus content. Natural factors such as climate, the high share of sandy soils and soil acidification are not conducive to accumulating and retaining a stable content of humic substances – the main components of soil organic matter. To address those challenges, the Grupa Azoty Group is launching a new line of products to introduce humic acids into soil. Tohumus is the potassium salt of humic acid (‘potassium humate’) with an approximately 7% humic acid content and an addition of potassium.

‘Thanks to our Research and Development Centre, we are able to steadily expand our portfolio to include products that are in line with the principles of sustainable agriculture. This time, we are launching a plant growth stimulator designed to deliver higher yields, but also to ensure an appropriate soil structure. We thus consistently expand the range of services and products offered to farmers in keeping with the objectives of the European Green Deal, including fertilizers, precision agriculture solutions, and also humic acids, which reduce losses of nitrogen and other elements as well as organic compounds,’ said Grzegorz Kądzielawski, Vice President of the Management Board of Grupa Azoty S.A.

The presence of humic acids can stimulate vital processes of soil organisms, support plant growth, and also accelerate decomposition of postharvest leftovers. The introduction of humic compounds into soil increases plant vigour and root elongation growth, which is particularly critical during drought.