pH
The third measure of quality is pH. Our slightly acidic pH is dictated by the natural pH of humic substances which are generally of minor acidity. Our fulvic has a stable and unadulterated pH that is non-caustic and relatively neutral.
Competitors deliberately manipulate pH to separate the fractions of humic substances and recover fulvic acid. The pH of a solution containing humic substances is first raised to approximately 10.0 using a strong base such as potassium hydroxide. At this pH, larger sized humic molecules precipitate out of solution leaving the both medium and smaller humic molecules (humic acid and fulvic acid, respectively). The solution is once again manipulated using a strong acid such as hydrochloric acid. Once a pH of 2.0 is achieved, the humic acid molecules fall out of solution and fulvic acid remains. The pH of this solution is unnaturally acidic and dangerous to plants and humans when it is applied undiluted. Moreover, such acidity can solubilize metals to toxic levels and destroy microorganisms. Competitors will often raise their product’s pH to a more neutral level by adding more of a caustic base. However, in doing so another detriment manifests in the form of increasing the already high level of salts.