Humic substances - still a "Terra Incognita"?

habilitation thesis

English

This work summarizes the development and results achieved in humus chemistry; the thesis includes both basic and applied research data. Research is based on four basic aspects regarding this issue: structure (supramolecular view) which is the theoretical background for agricultural (biological activity) and technological applications (antioxidant effect) and environmental aspects (stability of soil organic matter and related issues). The aim of this work is to demonstrate the complexity and interrelationship between individual aspects and results, to stress out the possibility of further research and mainly to show the great technological potential of humified substrata. The chemistry of humic substances is chemistry of heterogeneous mixtures which is in contrast to generally known chemistry of "pure" compounds. Reactivity, biological and antioxidant activity cannot be defined using standard measures as well as obtained results do not perfectly fit the generally accepted views. In soil humic substances represent the transient substrate between "live" and "non-live" parts, facilitating the communication, transport of nutrients and other crucial roles; this is why the chemistry and research of humic substances is extraordinary and interesting.

lignite humic substances, thermal analysis, soil

KUČERÍK, J.

18. 4. 2009

Vutium

Brno

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