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The Agricultural Use of Shaklee Basic H® Classic: A Natural Ally for Farmers

Nature has placed everything necessary in your soil to grow healthy, thriving plants. The key lies in unlocking that potential—and Shaklee Basic H® Classic is the trusted tool many farmers are using to do just that.


Unlike plant food, Basic H® is a soil igniter. It activates biological and chemical interactions within the soil to improve structure, water retention, and nutrient availability—giving farmers a natural, cost-effective edge in their operations.


Blue 5-gallon bucket labeled "Shaklee Basic-H" cleaner, featuring text about its uses and precautions. The design is simple and clean.

Why Farmers Love Classic Basic H®

Basic H® Classic isn’t just another surfactant or cleaner—it’s a multi-functional agricultural tool known for its effectiveness in four key areas:


1. As a Soil Conditioner

  • Increases water penetration up to 300%

  • Reduces water repellency and runoff

  • Minimizes evaporation and standing water

  • Promotes even water absorption across the field

  • Helps roots access moisture during drought or extreme heat

Basic H® keeps moisture where it’s needed most—at the root level. This means stronger crops with better resistance to environmental stress.


2. As a Surfactant

  • Reduces the amount of herbicide needed by ¼ to ½ of the recommended mix

  • Enhances nutrient uptake

  • No “burn down” or slowed growth

  • Breaks through waxy coatings on leaves for better herbicide absorption

  • Helps cut the protective coating on insects for better pest control

Farmers report more potent herbicide action with less chemical use, saving money while reducing environmental impact.


3. As a Wetting Agent

  • Makes water 300 times wetter

  • Keeps tanks, hoses, and nozzles cleaner with less wear

  • Works in both alkaline and acidic soils

  • Conditions soil for easier working and better tilth

Basic H® loosens and mellows the soil structure, leading to better aeration, root spread, and nutrient delivery.

Blue barrel with a black lid labeled "Shaklee Basic-H." Text details contents: 30 gal, biodegradable cleaner. Simple, industrial design.

4. As a Seed Treatment

  • Use 1–2 cups per bushel for treatment

  • Increases root development and early emergence

  • Enhances germination rates

  • Seeds absorb nutrients more effectively

Many growers notice faster sprouting, hardier seedlings, and more vigorous growth when using Basic H® to treat seed.


Available in 5- and 30-Gallon Drums

The Classic Basic H® formula is available in industrial-sized 5-gallon pails and 30-gallon drums—ideal for farms and ranches. This is not the same as Basic H2® (the newer household cleaner formula). The Classic version is the one you want for agricultural use.



Basic H® Classic vs. Basic H2®

Feature

Basic H® Classic

Basic H2®

Original formula

✅ Yes

❌ No

Agricultural uses

✅ Ideal

❌ Not recommended

Cleaning use

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Concentration

Moderate

Ultra concentrated

Labeled uses

Household

Household

“Unofficial” uses (by farmers/ranchers)

✅ Widely used

⚠️ Use with caution

Basic H2® was developed to earn the Green Seal certification and is double-concentrated for cleaning. But for farmers, Classic Basic H® remains the gold standard for soil and crop applications.


Farmers and Ranchers: Why It Matters

For decades, farmers and ranchers have trusted Shaklee’s Basic H® for uses like:

  • Controlling horseflies and crop pests

  • Worming livestock

  • Enhancing pasture and crop yields

  • Greener lawns and gardens

Note: These uses are based on decades of user experience. Shaklee does not officially endorse agricultural applications outside of labeled cleaning purposes.

🌿 Summary: A Natural Advantage in Every Field

Whether you’re raising crops, feeding cattle, or maintaining land, Basic H® Classic gives you a natural, economical edge. From seed treatment to soil conditioning and herbicide efficiency—this trusted formula offers real benefits for farmers who value sustainability, performance, and long-term soil health.


Field Drainage Before & After Using Basic H®

Left: Waterlogged field.

Right: Just 7 hours later, after applying 4 oz of Basic H® Classic.

Location: Luxembourg Feed Service.


This dramatic side-by-side proves how Basic H® improves water infiltration, reduces standing water, and supports faster field recovery. It’s not just science—it’s results you can see.

Split image of grassy field, left flooded and muddy, right dry and clear. Text: "Luxembourg Feed Service 4 oz of Basic H 7 hours later." Bottle graphic on left.

📦 Order today in 5-gallon or 30-gallon drums and experience the Shaklee difference for yourself.


Questions or bulk orders? Contact me directly or visit my Shaklee store:🔗 https://us.shaklee.com/site/growthteam/storefront


Back in 1960, Basic-H was one of the first environmentally safe household cleaners on the market. Today, millions of bottles later, it's more loved than ever. Efficient, powerful, safe, biodegradable, and economical, Basic-H is the world's most versatile cleaner, period. Sixteen ounces makes up to 90 gallons to clean hard surfaces, woodwork, walls, floors, glass, mirrors, even cars. Anything you can clean with water, you can clean with Basic-H. No wonder it was named an official Earth Day product.


A few other uses:


  • Lipstick on linen napkin: Apply full strength to fabric. Let soak, rub lightly, rinse clean.

  • Crayon on painted wall: Dab full strength on wall, and wipe off with moist sponge

  • Gum on fabric: Apply full strength to fabric. Let soak, then pull gum off.

  • Old wallpaper: Dilute 2 tbsp. in bucket of hot water; apply with sponge, let soak, lift off.

  • Sticky paintbrushes: Add 1 tbsp. to ½ gallon of water. Soak 24 hours, rinse with hot water.





*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Shaklee Corporation. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Shaklee is the most clinically proven Nutrition Company in the United States
Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56301
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