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Farmers are always looking for ways to improve productivity in their operations.

One product that is starting to gain a lot of attention in Agriculture is "Humalite" which is used as a soil amendment and is currently being mined in South Central Alberta.

The Sheerness Mine south of Hanna, Alberta has been supplying coal to the Sheerness Generation Stations since the '80s, and in 2014 was bought by Westmoreland Mining LLC.

Westmoreland has started putting more of a focus on Humalite, a shallow resource found just below the earth's surface. It's composed of an oxidized coal-like material formed during the decomposition of organic materials.

Humalite is being used as a soil amendment to improve overall soil health and has been shown to have a long-term effect. 

Humalite in handClay Williams, the Mine Engineer, was born and raised in the area, and like many others who work at the mine, still continues to farm and ranch in the area.

He says the humic/humic acid in Humalite has many properties that help soil health.

"Humics are known for their ability to promote nutrient uptake and contribute to overall soil health including regulating pH of soils, promoting conversion of insoluble nutrients into plant-available forms, stimulating root growth, preventing soil cracking and reducing soil/water erosion by promoting colloid formation in soil."

Humalite is also known for its water retention benefits and could have a huge potential in many of the arid prairie regions of Western Canada.

Williams says Humalite could be the required advantage for crop and forage production in years of low precipitation.

"Humalite is capable of retaining great amounts of moisture, so it helps with the water retention capability of the soil. This water retention helps to reduce run-off and increase infiltration. This helps hold moisture in the soil longer and helps during times of drought."

Kent Viste is from Hanna and has worked at the mine for 20 years while continuing to farm and ranch in the area.

Viste is General Foreman at the Sheerness Mine and says Humalite comes with organic input certification.

"It is one of the most affordable soil amendments available that provides many benefits for your land."

Humalite is known to be extremely high in humic acid, which is what makes it such a great soil amendment. Due to its unique formation Humalites deposit in fresh water and is extremely low in heavy metals compared to alternative humic sources.

Williams notes there are significant reserves of Humalite at the Sheerness Mine adding they can supply customers for many more years. With the agronomic benefits of Humalite, and especially as awareness increases on the capability of Humalite, overall Humalite use should continue to increase."

"All plants will be improved by the increased soil health that Humalite will provide. We are really just starting to scratch the surface of the different markets Humalite can provide benefit. I wouldn’t be surprised if proud lawn owners and hobby gardeners are buying it packaged for retail in the next year or two."

Humalite is unaltered prior to sale and is only screened to the desired size in order to make the application of the product easier, can be applied with conventional fertilizer equipment. The current screened product (if kept dry) is b-train ready and readily flows.

Spreadable with conventional fertilizer equipment, producers have overall been happy with the product and are repeat customers.

Williams encourages producers to ask their local agronomist about Humalite, humic substances and Humic acid, noting they will tell you how beneficial it can be for the long-term health and output of your land.

He expects Humalite use to continue to increase, noting it's an environmentally friendly, organic input that can enhance the land our future generations will depend on.

Williams says they look forward to serving new and existing customers well into the future and providing farmers with one more affordable tool that can give them an edge.

For more information on Westmoreland Mining and the benefits of Humalite, pricing and pick-up you can call the Sheerness Mine directly at 1-403-854-5200.