In biocyclic-vegan farming the function of humus soil as a nutrient source is of great importance. Humus soil is a comprehensive, balanced and long lasting reservoir of organically bound nutrients (“nutrient battery”). The fact that in humus soil almost all nutrients are organically bound in clusters and do not occur in a water-soluble form is of vital importance for its possible applications. Many years of experience have shown that when biocyclic humus soil is used, owing to the stable aggregates it contains, no nutrient loss by leaching does occur and thus no emission of any reactive nitrogen compounds which are detrimental to the environment and health. This represents a significant contribution towards the solution of the actual global nitrogen issue. Particularly with respect to the excessive nitrate levels in ground and surface waters, biocyclic humus soil as a “N-binder” is the ideal source of nutrients, e.g. in water protection zones.
A further aspect is that the plant growing on humus soil is prompted to activate the absorption mechanisms provided by nature for non-water soluble nutrients, which leads to a physiologically optimal shape and at the same time, due to the mobilisation of the intrinsic immune system, to a palpably improved health of the plant. Experience has shown again and again that, owing to the abundant availability of micronutrients, plants growing on humus soil are of excellent taste. Furthermore, if during the rotting phase wild and medicinal herbs or plants with an increased share of antioxidants (e.g. stinging nettle, comfrey, horsetail, olive leaves) are added to the maturing substrate, humus soil contains additional potentials that are beneficial to the consumer’s health.
Practice has shown that through the use of humus soil in adequate quantities all the plant’s needs for macro- and micronutrients as well as phytokinins, natural auxins and other natural hormones boosting the metabolism are covered. Due to the fixation of nutrients in humus complexes that are not soluble in water, any over-fertilization is excluded, even if large quantities are applied. The larger quantities of humus soil can be used, the better the natural genetic potential of the crop can be exploited.
Owing to its totally different characteristics compared to fully mature substrate compost, the use of biocyclic humus soil is not subject to possible restrictions of any national fertilizer regulations.