Humiinit

Humiinit are a class of organic compounds found in humic substances, which are major components of soil organic matter. Humic substances are complex mixtures derived from the decomposition of plant and animal matter by microorganisms. Humiinit specifically refer to the fraction of humic substances that is soluble in dilute alkali but insoluble in dilute acid. This solubility characteristic is key to their identification and separation from other humic fractions like humic acids and humins.

The precise chemical structure of humiinit is not fully understood due to their heterogeneity and complexity. They are generally considered to be macromolecules composed of various functional groups, including carboxylic, phenolic, and alcoholic hydroxyls, as well as amino and carbonyl groups. These functional groups contribute to their ability to interact with minerals and organic molecules in the soil. Humiinit play a significant role in soil fertility and environmental processes. They can influence soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability by chelating metal ions and forming complexes with other soil components. Their presence is also linked to the detoxification of pollutants and the regulation of microbial activity in the soil ecosystem. Research into humiinit continues to explore their detailed composition, formation pathways, and their multifaceted roles in terrestrial and aquatic environments.