Co Authors: Natalia Gomez – IPF’s Farming Specialist, Farming Services, and Robert Impraim – IPF’s Research & Development Agronomist, Research & Development

Protecting soil health is not only critical for achieving high yields in the current season but also for the resilience of cropping systems.

In modern intensive agricultural systems, a key issue is the loss of humic substances which are essential components of soil fertility. These naturally occurring compounds play a central role in nutrient cycling, soil structure and the availability of nutrients. By preserving and replenishing these substances, growers can strengthen the resilience of their soils and safeguard productivity for future seasons.

Trigger® is a high-quality humic acid that can reintroduce humates that may have been lost from the soil.

What are humic substances?

Humates are complex organic compounds formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. These stable compounds help build the soil over time, creating a microhabitat for microorganisms. They are primary components of natural organic matter and represent the main carbon reservoir in the biosphere.

When we talk about humates, it is essential to understand their origin, as the quality and characteristics of humic substances vary greatly depending on the source.

Humic substances are generally classified into fulvic acids, humic acids, and humins, based on their solubility, molecular weight and function.

Humins:

Humins are large, complex organic macromolecules that are not soluble in water and decompose very slowly. Their main role is to build soil health by improving structure, water retention, and cation exchange capacity (CEC).

Humic acids:

Humic acids contain both aliphatic and aromatic organic structures. They are insoluble in water at low pH but soluble under alkaline conditions. Their main role is as a long-term soil conditioner, helping build organic matter and improve soil aggregation.

Fulvic acids:

Fulvic acids remain soluble in water across all pH levels. Their main role is as nutrient carriers, increasing nutrient mobility and uptake by plants.

What role does IPF’s Trigger play?

Trigger is a premium humic acid–based product that allows for excellent blending capabilities with a wide range of fertilisers. It contains small amounts of fulvic acid and humins, a balanced combination that delivers the full spectrum of benefits humic substances can provide for soil health and nutrient efficiency.

The product features smooth, uniform black granules with very low dust, making it easy and safe to handle (Figure 1). Its consistent granule size allows for uniform application across multiple systems, including air seeders, in-furrow, aerial, and strip-till equipment, ensuring even distribution and reliable performance in every pass.

Figure 1. Left: perfectly round, uniform granules of Trigger. Right: Trigger is shown blended uniformly within a fertiliser mix. Source: Incitec Pivot Fertilisers.

Why is it so important to use Trigger in horticulture crops?

In vegetable production, repeated irrigation and fertiliser use often lead to alkalinisation and nutrient imbalance. Vegetables are heavy feeders, and maintaining a balanced supply of nutrients is essential for yield and quality. Trigger helps by enhancing nutrient exchange, buffering soil pH, and improving structure so nutrients remain available when crops need them most.

Citrus orchards, typically grown on sandy, light soils, are prone to poor nutrient retention, salinity, and water stress. By increasing the soil’s cation exchange capacity and water-holding ability, Trigger improves nutrient uptake, reduces salt stress, and promotes healthier root growth.

In almond production, continual fertiliser use, and irrigation can cause soil acidification, restricting nutrient availability and affecting root health. Trigger helps stabilise soil pH, enhances calcium and magnesium balance, and improves overall soil structure for stronger, more productive trees.

Trigger enhances every stage of crop performance by activating soil biology, improving nutrient retention, and supporting plant metabolism. It strengthens the connection between soil and plant, allowing nutrients and moisture to move more efficiently through the root zone. Over time, Trigger helps rebuild soil structure, increase microbial activity, and create a healthier, more balanced growing environment.

Liquid Trigger®

As we know, horticulture involves a wide range of irrigation systems and management practices. Some are better suited to granular Trigger, while others benefit more from our new liquid formulation.

Liquid Trigger is ideal for crops such as citrus, almonds, grapes, and vegetables or any horticultural system where fertigation is preferred.

This new formulation contains the same functional groups as granular Trigger, which are the key to its agricultural value. It is clean and low in sediment, ensuring smooth equipment performance while maintaining high compatibility with most fertilisers. When used through irrigation, Liquid Trigger delivers the same soil health and nutrient efficiency benefits in a convenient, easy-to-apply form.

Key Points

  • Humic acids restore soil function by improving nutrient retention, structure, and microbial activity.
  • Trigger restores humic substances lost through intensive farming, building healthier, more resilient soils.
  • Trigger keeps nutrients available longer and supports better plant growth.
  • Regular use improves soil balance, fertiliser efficiency, and long-term productivity.
  • Consider liquid Trigger.

Further information

For more information on Trigger, feel free to contact IPF’s Farming Specialist, Natalia Gomez, at natalia.gomez@incitecpivot.com.au or +61 427 232 982.

References

Patel, M. C., & Verma, D. (2023). Effect of humic acid on vegetable crops: A review. Environment and Ecology, 41(4A), 2440–2445. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/HEZP2063

Ampong, K., Thilakaranthna, M. S., & Gorim, L. Y. (year). Understanding the role of humic acids on crop performance and soil health. Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

Ouni, Y., Ghnaya, T., Montemurro, F., Abdelly, C., & Lakhdar, A. (2014). The role of humic substances in mitigating the harmful effects of soil salinity and improving plant productivity. Laboratoire des Plantes Extrêmophiles, Centre de Biotechnologies de Borj Cedria, Tunisia, and Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Italy.