Granular vs. Liquid Humates: Which One Is Right for You
By Jim Olive
Humates are one of the most powerful tools in the soil amendment world—but how do you choose between granular and liquid forms? Each has distinct advantages depending on your goals, crop type, and application method.
In this guide, we’ll compare granular and liquid humates to help you decide which form is right for your farm, lawn, or garden.
What Are Humates?
Humates are natural organic compounds made from ancient decomposed plant matter (often leonardite). Rich in humic and fulvic acids, they improve soil structure, stimulate beneficial microbes, and increase nutrient availability, leading tohealthier soil and more productive plants.
Benefits of Granular Humates
Granular humates are ideal for building long-term soil health. They release humic substances slowly, making them well-suited for:
Pre-plant soil conditioning
Large acreage farming
Dry blending with compost or fertilizer
Key benefits:
Improve soil texture and water-holding capacity
Promote deep, healthy root growth
Increase microbial life gradually
Require minimal application equipment
The best time to apply is pre-planting or during tillage to integrate into the root zone.
Benefits of Liquid Humates
Liquid humates offer a fast, targeted impact—ideal for high-value crops, drip-irrigated systems, or in-season corrections.
Best uses:
Foliar spray programs
Irrigation system integration (drip or pivot)
Quick response during drought or stress events
Key benefits:
Instantly available to plants
Improves nutrient uptake and chelation
Easily mixed with other inputs like micronutrients or bio-stimulants
Encourages microbial activity immediately after application
Best time to apply: In-season, especially during flowering, fruit set, or recovery from stress.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Choose Granular Humates if you:
Want long-term improvement in soil structure
Are prepping large areas or pastures
Prefer a “set it and forget it” approach
Choose Liquid Humates if you:
Need a fast boost during the growing season
Use drip or overhead irrigation
Are targeting specific nutrient deficiencies or plant stress
Why Not Use Both?
Many growers find success using a hybrid approach:
Granular humates for base soil-building
Liquid humates for in-season feeding and stress management
This strategy supports regenerative agriculture and helps maximize yield while minimizing synthetic input costs.
Ready to Choose Your Humate?
Whether you need long-lasting granular support or a quick liquid boost, we’ve got you covered with high-quality, premium humate products.
Need Help Deciding?
Let us help you build the perfect soil amendment program.
