Application of fulvic acid in agriculture: An overview

Fulvic acids, an essential fraction of soil organic matter, have emerged as influential agents in enhancing soil fertility and boosting crop productivity. This review compiles and analyzes recent scientific literature to clarify the diverse roles fulvic acids play within soil ecosystems and their subsequent effects on plant growth and agricultural yield. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of 150 relevant articles, including 100 peer-reviewed studies from databases such as Web of Science, ResearchGate, PubMed and Google Scholar. Initially, the interactions between fulvic acids and various soil components are discussed, demonstrating their ability to improve soil structure, increase nutrient retention and enhance nutrient availability across a range of soil types. The review further evaluates the outcomes of fulvic acid application on crop growth in different agricultural systems under varying environmental conditions. In addition, the potential of fulvic acids to act synergistically with other soil amendments and fertilizers is explored, offering insights into integrated strategies for sustainable agricultural management. Collectively, the findings highlight fulvic acids as multifunctional agents that improve soil quality and contribute to increased crop resilience and sustainability in modern farming systems.