REFERENCE
Small-Plot Experimental Material Conducted Under Farm Conditions
Tart Cherry (Debreceni bőtermő) — Kosd, Cselőte puszta 0274/6
Soil type: clay loam, binding index 42.
The Humikal Universal Classic granulate was applied on March 20, 2025, to the experimental plot, which was divided into three separate sectors. The first observations were carried out at flowering.
Based on measurements, trees in the treated plot had 0.6% more flowers, while fruit set was 3.87% higher compared to the control.
Already in the short period between application and fruit set, visible differences were observed, particularly in the intensity of shoot growth: preliminary measurements showed that average shoot length in the treated plot was 21% greater (Fig. 1).
Photo: Left — treated plot; Right — control plot (Komáromi K., Kosd, 2025).
Fruit from treated trees was more uniform (Figs. 2–3). Average fruit diameter reached 22 mm in the treated plot, versus 19 mm in the control.
At harvest, average yield per tree was 15 kg in the treated plot and 11 kg in the control.
According to grading, the treated plot produced fruit of export quality, while the control was classified only for domestic processing.
Nutritional analyses: Compared with the control (treated with urea), samples from the Humikal-treated trees showed more favorable nutritional parameters — particularly higher sugar and energy content, alongside lower moisture content. These shifts enhanced flavor intensity and increased dry matter content.
Key findings:
- Higher sugar content — sweeter taste and improved consumer experience.
- Increased dietary fiber — added health benefits.
- Elevated energy content — more nutritious fruit.
- Higher total carbohydrate content.
- Lower moisture — more concentrated flavor and higher dry matter.
Conclusion: The results clearly demonstrate that Humikal Universal granulate improved both yield and quality in Debreceni bőtermő tart cherry compared to the control. The most significant improvements were observed in sugar content, shoot growth, fruit size, and average yield per tree.
In modern fruit production, soil health, humus levels and nutrient availability have become crucial factors for long-term productivity. A comparative soil analysis carried out in a sour cherry orchard in Érd clearly shows how Humikal Universal Classic Granulate, a humic acid–based treatment, performs compared to a control plot treated with NBPT-stabilized urea.
The results highlight the significant role humic acid plays in improving nutrient availability, enhancing soil structure, and supporting a healthier root environment.
Macronutrients: Significant Improvements on the Treated Area
Two key macronutrients, phosphorus and potassium, showed remarkable increases in the humic-treated parcel:
- Available phosphorus increased by 118%
- Available potassium increased by 96%
In contrast, nitrite+nitrate nitrogen levels were 37% lower. Although this seems negative at first glance, it actually indicates better nutrient uptake and utilization: the nitrogen is not accumulated as residue but incorporated efficiently by the plant.
Micronutrients: Strongly Improved Availability with Humic Acid
Micronutrient levels also improved significantly on the treated plot:
- Zinc: +60%
- Sulfur: +11%
- Magnesium: +197%
These increases highlight the chelating properties of humic acid, which enhances the solubility of micronutrients and reduces their fixation in the soil.
Humus Content: The Engine of Soil Life
Humus levels were 25.8% higher in the treated area.
Humic acid promotes the formation of stable humus complexes by binding organic matter with mineral fractions.
By comparison, stabilized urea provides nitrogen but does not stimulate humus formation—and may even reduce humus levels over time.
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): Lower Carbonate Binding in Treated Soil
The control area showed significantly higher CaCO₃ levels.
Humic acid can bind carbonates, which results in:
reduced nutrient fixation
- improved availability of micro- and meso-elements
- higher overall nutrient solubility
Urea does not influence these processes, so high carbonate binding remains in the control.
Water-Soluble Salts – Favorable Results in Both Treatments
Both areas showed low water-soluble salt content.
This is expected with NBPT-treated urea, where slow nitrogen release prevents salt accumulation—an advantageous condition for soil biology and root development.
Comparison Before and After TreatmentCompared to pre-treatment soil samples, the following positive changes were observed:
Macronutrients:
Phosphorus: +0.7%
Potassium: +3.3%
Nitrite+nitrate nitrogen: –33.7%
Micronutrients:
Zinc: +30%
Manganese: +7%
Copper: +58%
Humus content increased by 10%, contributing to long-term soil improvement and enhanced fertility.
Why Is Humic Acid More Effective Than Urea Alone?
Humic acid supports soil functions in a complex way:
Boosts humus formation
- Reduces carbonate binding (more available micronutrients)
- Chelates and mobilizes nutrients (Zn, Mn, Cu, Mg, etc.)
- Improves soil structure and water balance
- Supports long-term soil regeneration
Urea, on the other hand, primarily provides nitrogen but does not enhance humus levels or improve nutrient solubility and soil structure.
Conclusion: Clear Advantages of Humic Acid Treatment
Based on the soil test results, Humikal Universal Classic Granulate provides the following benefits for the sour cherry orchard in Érd:
increased humus levels
- improved macronutrient and micronutrient availability
- lower carbonate-induced nutrient binding
- better soil structure and water retention
- long-term soil regeneration
Humic acid is therefore not just a nutrient source—it is a comprehensive soil-enhancing solution, essential for the sustainability and productivity of long-lived fruit orchards.
Orchard Crop — Kecskemét (Dr. József Csepeli)
Site: Kecskemét, parcel no. 0820/129 — 4 ha orchard of Érdi bőtermő tart cherry.
Soil type: multi-layered sandy soil.
The region had previously faced drought conditions; during the first eight months of the previous year, rainfall did not exceed 400 mm. Irrigation was applied only in the period just before harvest and for one month thereafter. No significant drought symptoms were observed.
Management: After incorporation of Humikal granulate, pollination was secured by honeybee colonies. Frost-protection sprays were applied during cold periods at flowering, reducing frost losses to 20–30%. Post-pollination, estimated yields ranged between 10–15 kg/tree, considering the pre-harvest fruit drop typical of tart cherries. No deficiencies of micro- or macronutrients were detected in leaf analysis. Alongside crop protection, Humikal liquid foliar fertilizer was applied occasionally at 5 l/ha. After the fruit set, combined fungicide and insecticide treatments were applied three times.
Observations: By late May, intensive shoot growth was evident: canopies of trees planted 3 m apart already overlapped, and in some places even the 5 m row spacing had narrowed due to dense growth. While the control plot also grew, growth lagged behind the treated plots.
In the 2–3 weeks before harvest, pre-harvest drop occurred, while cold damage caused an additional 20–30% loss. Harvest began on June 20. Due to weak industrial demand, manual picking was carried out. In the treated plots, fruit ripened more uniformly and remained harvestable for longer, making repeated picking unnecessary. Average yield reached 20 kg/tree, with fruit size between 23–26 mm. Fruit quality was excellent — suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. About 30% of the harvest was sold directly on the fresh market.
After-effects: Post-harvest, orchard vitality remained strong; early shoot growths reached up to 80 cm. Average yield was nearly 10 t/ha. Foliage remained healthy, without stress symptoms, and by the final spray on August 15, leaf fall was minimal.
Vineyard Trial — Olaszrizling (Palatinca Szőlő Kft., Szekszárd)
Company: Palatinca Szőlő Kft. — 60 ha contiguous vineyard near Szekszárd, with 15 grape varieties under modern two-cane training, no shoot-thinning.
Trial block: 2 ha Olaszrizling plot, where fruit set and ripening are particularly critical.
Treatment: The product was applied as foliar spray on June 23 and July 7, 2023, at 10 l/ha each time in 200 l/ha spray solution.
Results: In the treated block, cluster closure was satisfactory, and the canopy was dense and healthy. Compared to the adjacent Cserszegi fűszeres vineyard, the treated Olaszrizling showed markedly denser, healthier foliage — expected to translate into both higher yields and better fruit quality.
Cereal Trial — Axiál Kft. (Beled)
Partner: Axiál Kft.
Responsible persons: Zsolt Pintér (Managing Director), Attila Vitáli (Crop Production Supervisor).
Location: Beled, Hungary.
Treated area: 7 ha in mixed crops; control: 5.22 ha. Humikal Universal liquid formulation was applied.
Observations: Crop development in treated plots was visibly better; grain filling and kernel plumpness improved, and cereals overall appeared fuller and healthier.
Results by crop:
- Barley: yield increase of ~440 kg/ha was observed after a single application.
- Wheat: indications of improved protein content and overall quality. Humikal supports the long-term improvement of soil physical and chemical properties, especially in exhausted soils.
Mode of action: The aqueous extract of lignite/leonardite/brown coal enhances soil colloids and organic matter, thereby improving soil fertility — particularly with regular, repeated application (semi-annually or annually). However, it is emphasized that excessive reliance on nitrogen alone can damage soil ecological balance; nutrient supply should be managed in a balanced, integrated system.
Winter Wheat — Szulok (Roland Kovács)
Site: 7539 Szulok, parcel no. 0140/2.
Soil: poor sandy soil with low organic matter and multiple defects; nitrate-sensitive area.
Treatment: Humikal Universal Classic Liquid was applied twice at the beginning of heading, at 2 × 3 l/ha.
Observations: The treated stand already showed visibly improved color, vigor, and tillering in spring. Following foliar applications, spike size and grain color were also superior.
Harvest results: Control yield was 6.1 t/ha, while treated yield reached 7.5 t/ha — a 25% increase, or +1.4 t/ha. With a market price of 73,000 HUF/t, this represented a significant income gain.
Nutrient program: Both treated and control plots received the same base fertilization: 225 kg/ha initially, followed by an additional 150 kg/ha two weeks later. The treated plot then received two foliar sprays at 3 l/ha each at heading.
Triticale — Kerekegyháza (parcel no. 0164/37)
Soil: very poor sandy soil, with residual effects from previous vineyard/orchard use, including copper and other residues.
Farmer: Kaldenekkel Olivér
Treatment: Humikal Universal granulate at 300 kg/ha. Additional fertilization included 200 kg/ha ammonium sulfate in autumn and 400 kg/ha in spring, prior to granulate application.
Observations: Treated plots showed more uniform, darker green stands and stronger tillering. Where application was uneven, striping and lighter patches appeared.
Harvest results: Control yielded 3,300 kg/ha, while treated plots produced 3,900 kg/ha — an increase of 600 kg/ha. Farmers calculated this as an added income of ~36,000 HUF/ha (600 kg × 60 HUF/kg).
Maize
Location: Magyaralmás (Fejér County)
Farmer: László Vass
Crop: Maize
Treatment: Humikal Universal Granulate – applied at 300 kg/ha using a fertilizer spreader
Area: 6.5 hectares
Objective of the trial:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Humikal Universal Granulate on maize production under farm conditions. The yields and economic results of the plots treated with Humikal Universal Classic Granulate were compared with untreated (control) plots.
Harvest results:
Treatment type | Yield (t/ha) | Note |
Control (untreated) | 4,57 t/ha | |
Humikal Universal Classic Granulate | 5,29 t/ha | + 0,72 t/ha (+16% Yield increase) |
The application of Humikal Universal Granulate resulted in a 16% yield increase.
Calculation of additional income:
0.72 t/ha yield increase × 74 Ft/kg (average maize price) = +53,280 Ft/ha
A positive return was already observed after the first application.
Product description:
Humikal Universal Classic Granulate is a complex soil conditioner containing dolomite,
zeolite, humic and fulvic acids. The combined effect of these components improves the soil’s
physical structure and biological activity, resulting in a more aerated, water-retaining, and
biologically active soil.
This leads to more stable yields and better nutrient utilization.
The use of this product can improve not only yield quantity but also crop quality in maize
cultivation, including:
● higher protein, oil, and starch content,
● better grading category,
● improved purchase price and profitability.
The farm-scale trial in Magyaralmás clearly demonstrates that Humikal Universal
Granulate effectively increases yield and improves soil condition.
Sunflower
Farmer: Zoltán Nagy, Primary Producer
Location: Outskirts of Újfehértó, Grimbó area
Soil type: Sandy soil, 2 Aranykorona (low fertility value)
Trial plot size: 2.5 hectares
Humikal Universal Classic Granulate
Applied amount: 500 kg
Application time: Second week of April 2025
Application method: Applied with fertilizer spreader
Humikal Universal Classic Liquid
Applied amount: 20 liters in total
Application rate: From the 3rd leaf stage, applied every 8 days — a total of 8 liters of Humikal Universal Classic Liquid per hectare
Other Inputs
In both 2024 and 2025, ammonium nitrate (CAN) was applied at 180 kg per hectare.
Yield Results
Average yield in 2024: 2.4 tons per hectare
Average yield in 2025 (with Humikal Universal products): 3.8 tons per hectare
Economic Result
In 2025, the yield increased by 1,600 kg of sunflower per hectare, which — at an average market price of 170 HUF/kg — resulted in an additional income of 272,000 HUF per hectare compared to previous years.
Tomato — Aba (János Kozma, greenhouse production)
Site: Aba, 1.2 ha semi-modern greenhouse (18 bays × 4.5 m), 5 rows per bay, row length 85 m. Plant spacing: 150 × 30 cm. Plant density: 2.2 plants/m².
Variety: Ardiles Reina grafted on Maxifort rootstock.
Planting date: November 15, 2023. Planned cropping period: Nov 15, 2023 – Dec 10, 2024.
Treatment: The aqueous extract of brown coal/leonardite/lignite was added to the nutrient solution at 6 l/1000 l stock solution (highly concentrated). The fertigation system was set to EC ~3‰ and pH ~5.5.
Effects observed:
- Rooting: faster and stronger root development; roots colonized the substrate more intensively in treated rows during the first week.
- Growth: treated stands developed a balanced canopy with good vigor even under low light and moderate temperatures.
- Flowering and fruit set: more flowers formed, and fruit set was quicker.
- Ripening: fruit began ripening 8 weeks after first truss flowering; berries averaged ~40 g, with uniform ripening.
Summary: Regular application of the extract improved yield, plant vigor, and stress tolerance, while supporting earlier fruit set and more uniform ripening. Note on dosage: raising the rate from 6 to 7 l/1000 l led to an undesirable pH increase the following day — strict monitoring of dosage and pH is therefore recommended.
Pepper — User Feedback
Grower experiences were overwhelmingly positive: several reported faster and healthier seedling development. Examples include:
“I sowed these pepper seeds five weeks ago. They already have their third pair of leaves. Normally this would take two months, and the plants would not be nearly as strong and healthy. Even my houseplants are thriving. I recommend it to anyone who wants chemical-free growing.”
“My garden has never been this beautiful and healthy — thanks to your product. Normally I would have to buy seedlings, but this year I didn’t need to, since my peppers were ready for transplanting in just six weeks. The potatoes are already 50 cm high and budding, and I can start harvesting peas next week. Not to mention how my ornamental plants are flourishing. Thank you!”
Industrial Cabbage Trial
Farmer: Gergő Beke, KE-TA Farm
In 2025, KE-TA Farm conducted a large-scale cabbage trial in Bugyi (Pest County) with the aim of comparing the performance of Humikal Universal Liquid Classic to that of the leading competing humic acid product on the market, Blackjak.
The experiment was carried out under real farming conditions, ensuring that the results directly reflect the practical efficiency and economic value of the products.
Background of the Trial:
The trial was performed on uniform soil conditions with identical agronomic practices. Both treatments were applied at the same time and in the same manner, ensuring that the results accurately represent the true biological and technological efficiency of each product.
Varieties planted: Torreador, Redma RZ, Green Pearl
Measured Results:
Humikal Universal Liquid Classic outperformed its competitor in all measured growth parameters:
Farmer’s feedback – Gergő Beke:
“The plants developed very healthy, vigorous, and strong after the Humikal Liquid treatments. The price is much more favorable, and it was also easier to mix – it didn’t foam or discolor the equipment. The product’s handling and performance were both impressive.”
Rose
Producer: Istvánné Szekerczés
Parcel Number: 3192
Soil Type: Black soil
Application Conditions and Technology
Products Used:
• Humikal Universal Classic Granules
• Humikal Universal Classic Liquid
Timing and Method of Application:
• Spring 2025, after pruning, at the 3–4 leaf stage
• Manual broadcasting, placed closely around the rootstocks
• Applied in overcast weather, followed by significant rainfall within 12 hours
Dosage:
• 40 kg granules
• Treated area: 0.156 ha
• Liquid product: foliar fertilization every two weeks
The soil is black soil with good nutrient content; however, based on previous years’ experience, it was prone to cracking and occasional moisture deficiency. Prior to the introduction of Humikal, a nitrogen-fixing crop was used to improve the soil’s baseline condition. Two weeks after applying the granules, the grower began regular foliar application of Humikal Universal Classic Liquid, combined with plant protection products.
Changes in plant condition became visible within weeks of application. The leaves of the rose rootstocks turned strikingly vibrant green and glossy, shoot growth became noticeably more vigorous, and the overall vitality of the plants improved significantly. As the vegetation period progressed, the plants showed more balanced development, and flower formation was continuous and abundant. The flowers exhibited uniformly intense coloration, and the petals developed a thicker structure, which also improved the shelf life of the cut flowers. Improvements were also observed in soil structure. The upper layer became more crumbly, water retention increased, and surface cracking was significantly reduced compared to previous years. Alongside the favorable changes in soil structure, the incidence of fungal diseases also decreased, indicating enhanced plant resistance.
Yield results confirmed the effectiveness of the Humikal products in practice. According to the grower’s estimate, the number of flower stems per plant increased significantly, and both the size and quality of the flowers improved. The overall yield increase reached 20–25 percent, which is a highly significant result for a short vegetation-period crop. Marketability also improved: cut flowers remained fresh for two to three days longer during cooled storage, and customer feedback was clearly more positive.
From an economic standpoint, the use of Humikal products delivered favorable returns. Although the granules and liquid formulations represent an additional cost, the yield increase and improved quality of the flowers more than compensated for this. According to the grower, Humikal is a worthwhile and justified long-term choice, as soil biology, soil structure, and overall plant condition show lasting improvement. Reduced fertilizer demand and a more environmentally friendly cultivation technology further contribute to sustainability benefits.
The combined application of Humikal Universal Classic granules and Liquid demonstrably improved:
• the physical condition of the soil,
• the vitality and resistance of the rose rootstocks,
• flower yield and market quality,
• the economic efficiency of production.
Turf Trial — Székesfehérvár (Jenő Kiss, park manager)
Treatment: After lawn aeration, Humikal Universal granulate was applied.
Observations: Turf and soil showed rapid regeneration. A documented photo series illustrated progress:
- Before application (aeration stage).
- Immediately after aeration and granulate application.
- 2.5 weeks later — clear greening and thickening.
- 3 weeks later — further improved coverage and vitality.
- 4 weeks later — even, dense turf surface.
Summary: Treated turf regenerated more quickly, with denser coverage and improved aesthetic quality — particularly important in parks and sports areas.
Final Remark
Experimental results across different crops demonstrate that the Humikal product range (granulate and liquid formulations) consistently supports plant development, fruit set, yield, and quality. Effects vary by crop, so application must always be adapted to local soil conditions, weather, and existing fertilization and crop-protection practices. It is recommended to tailor dosages and timing to local conditions and to regularly monitor treatment effectiveness.
