We prove that every homogeneously adequate Kauffman state has enhancements X^± in distinct j-gradings whose traces (which we define) represent nonzero Khovanov homology classes over Z/2Z; this is also true over Z when all A-blocks' state surfaces are two-sided. A direct proof constructs X^± explicitly. An alternate proof, reflecting the theorem's geometric motivation, applies a plumbing (Murasugi sum) operation that has been adapted to the context of Khovanov homology.

Thank you to the referee for suggesting many improvements to this paper's details and overall structure