title: Humic substances biological activity at the plant-soil interface: from environmental aspects to molecular factors.
abstract: Humic substances (HS) represent the organic material mainly widespread in nature. HS have positive effects on plant physiology by improving soil structure and fertility and by influencing nutrient uptake and root architecture. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying these events are only partially known. HS have been shown to contain auxin and an "auxin-like" activity of humic substances has been proposed, but support to this hypothesis is fragmentary. In this review article, we are giving an overview of available data concerning molecular structures and biological activities of humic substances, with special emphasis on their hormone-like activities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Biotechnology; University of Padua, Agripolis, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trevisan
authors.forename: Ornella
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Francioso
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quaggiotti
authors.forename: Serenella
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nardi
mesh_terms: D006812:Humic Substances; D015394:Molecular Structure; D063245:Plant Development; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*; D012987:Soil
chemical_list: D006812:Humic Substances; D012987:Soil