Defining the molecular impacts of humalite-mediated crop production

Humalite is a naturally occurring organic substance containing high concentrations of humic acid. Humic-based substances are known to improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Therefore, humalite may be an ecological and environmentally friendly soil amendment with a wide variety of end uses across multiple facets of the Canadian agricultural landscape. Large deposits of humalite have been uncovered in south-central Alberta, which offer exceptional potential for improving soil health and sustainable agricultural practices. Here, we partner with the Westmet Group Canada LTD to define how humalite affects the crops at the molecular level for increased fertilizer use efficiency and crop productivity. Correspondingly, we expect this to aid in the further development humalite-based economical and environmentally friendly products for diverse agricultural industries and end users.

Faculty Supervisor:

Richard Glen Uhrig;Linda Gorim;Malinda Thilakarathna

Student:

Partner:

WestMET ERS

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

University of Alberta

Program: