A tentative approach to the molecular structure of humic acids: the spectral evidence for a derivation of humic acids from plant-borne esters. 3. Pyrolysis-mass spectrometry.

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry of humic acids collected from oak forest litter and humus horizons, of esters extracted from oak leaves and of bark extracts indicated a close relationship between plant esters and humic acids. The data support the hypothesis that humic acids can be derived from simple mixed esters formed in the plants. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission