ABSTRACT
A proper analytical procedure is necessary for achieving the purpose of extracting the real humic substances. Contrary to the general opinion, isolation and purification are considered here as integral parts of the extraction procedure. The aim is to obtain the real humic compounds isolated from each other, and free from co-extracted materials or contaminants. A mixture of humic acid, fulvic acid, protein and other compounds cannot be called humic acid, before the latter is separated from fulvic acid and cleaned by a purification procedure. In the chemical industry a mixture of formic acid and other organic acids is also not called formic acid, unless this acid is separated from the other acids and adequately purified.
