The name of the UMIC range derives from the term 'humic acid', which is a soil component produced by the degradation of organic waste which constitute humus.

Humic compounds contain several types of macromolecules, including humic acids. These molecules may be characterised by:

• Several groups of chemical functions exposed to a solution in which they react to other substances.
• High molecular weights.
• A branched structure making them more resistant.
• A high level of instability, leading to frequent changes in form.