Characterization and Acid-Base Properties of Humic-Like Substances Extracted From Different Sources.

The wide use of organic amendments of various origin and natures in current agriculture is to increase organic matter contents in soil in order to increase crop production and reduce soil exposure to erosion, degradation, and environmental pollution. Studies on this topic were conducted and documented for decades, however it is still requires more studies and understand the characteristics and functionalities of humic-like fraction from different source of composts. Humic acid were isolated from different source of compost, and will be characterized and comparing using chemical methods , modeling, and spectroscopic techniques, including ultraviolet visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). The E₄/E₆ ratio and other elemental composition of humic materials will be analyzed. The characterized functional groups and the ratios of the carboxylic/phenolic contents will be compared with humic acid extracted from soil and sediment. This study will provide specific information on composition, structure, and functionalities of humic-like materials compare to those of soil and sediment humic acid.