| Post-harvest crop residues and coal have potential to be used for the extraction of humic substance, a macroorganic molecule. The humic substances were extracted quantified and characterized using techniques such as spectrophotometer, High Performance Liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The analysis showed the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic sites. The Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis showed spectrum bends at different wavenumbers while elemental analysis show existence of different macro and micro nutrients which can be used to supplement the plant needs for nutrients by incorporation of humic substances along with commercial inorganic fertilizers. Though findings in this study showed KOH as cost effective extractant vis a vis NaOH. However, further characterization could not confirm it. The presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature of sites could be utilized to develop slow release plant nutrients based on humic substances.