Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world. Its yield and quality are crucial for ensuring China's food security. Humic acid contains many kinds of active groups, which is widely used in the agricultural field. In this paper, the effect of humic acid on rice was reviewed, including the influence of soil properties, rice growth, absorption of metal element, nitrogen fertilizer utilization, rice yield and quality, and salt-alkali resistance.The review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the application of humic acid in rice paddy production.