WestMET Group, the Prairie provider of humic product Humalite, is acquiring fellow Alberta company Black Earth.
The companies say the aqusition will bring streamlined production, continued sustainability, and reliable quality of humic products, according to an early January annoucement.
Both companies have dug niches in the area of humic products for agriculture, aquaculture, animal feed, turf and industrial applications.
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Humic acid is a naturally occuring substance, high in organic mater and derived from the decomposed remains of plants and animals. It is mined in Alberta and marketed as a bio-stimulant.
Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, earthworms, and insects feed on the decaying matter, creating a cycle of further decomposition. When it’s exposed to oxygen, it becomes humus – a mix of humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin.
In agriculture, promises associated with humic products include the enhancement of soil and crop productivity: building better plant root systems, growing biomass, improving nutrient uptake and contributing to higher crop yield and quality.
Recent research from the University of Alberta suggested that those promises have scientific backing. Results found that humalite, the granular form of humic acid, can improve nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium availability by keeping those minerals in the soil for longer periods of time, as well as increasing plant uptake. The enhancement of fertilizer efficiency could reduce synthetic fertilizer applications, and thus save producers some money in the long run, researchers said.
Last year, a representative from Top Krop, which distributes Humalite, said producers using the product have typically seen significant improvements after two or three years of application.
Gains are highly dependant on growing conditions and crop type.
After the deal, WestMET will have access to Black Earth’s manufacturing facilities in Ryley and Halkirk, Alta. This will enable vertical integration of operations for WestMET and increase process efficiency, the company says.
In a press release issued Jan. 7 WestMET stated they will be “setting a new standard for quality, reliability, and transparency in the humic space.”
WestMET Group director of business development, David Wittekind said in the press release that, “joining forces with Black Earth allows us to offer a seamless experience for our customers while leveraging the strengths of both teams.”
The company added that they are “better positioned to serve distributors, farmers, and industrial partners.” — With files from Jeff Melchior and Ron Lyseng.
