February 2006: Volume 1 Number 2
Humic shale is another definition for decomposed organic vegetation. This organic material is derived from formerly living photosynthetic life that decomposes at different rates. The rate of decomposition is dependent on the varieties of foliage, time, microorganisms in this material and environmental conditions. Over a specific period of time, the organic matter is reduced to humic substances. Special environmental conditions preserve it from complete decomposition and changing the valuable nourishing content of these substances. Microorganisms make this favorable condition possible.
Humic substances are a mixture of naturally occurring, biogenic, heterogeneous organic substances with organic minerals that can generally be characterized as being yellow to black in color, of high molecular weight, and have refractory properties. There are three major fractions of humic substances: Humin, Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid. Each of these fractions have different properties and effect different aspects of living organisms.
One bio-component of humic substances is organic minerals. They are also called elements or electrolytes. These minerals are bio-active in this organic material. They will be discussed in the other issues in this program.
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