Coal-derived sodium humate was found to stimulate primary root growth of seedlings of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) at 1000mg L -1, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) at 500 and 1000 mg L 1, as well as hypocotyl growth of cantaloupe at 1000 mg L-~. Growth enhancement was not due to release of nutrient elements by the product, and, in the case of lettuce and onion, was not due to increased availability or uptake of mineral elements. Growth stimulation of cantaloupe, however, was dependent on the provision of nutrient solution. Growth stimulation of onion roots under axenic conditions indicated an effect of the humate per se rather than a response mediated via microbial breakdown products.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.