- Clover and Legume
Inoculation
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What is
an inoculant?
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An
inoculant is a product that effectively introduces Rhizobium bacteria
on a seed at planting. Effective inoculation with rhizobia results
in the formation of root nodules that fix nitrogen for the plant
and soil.
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How does
an inoculant work?
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Rhizobium
inoculants act as symbiotic biofertilizers. The introduced rhizobia
form nodules on the roots of a specific legume host. These nodules
convert (or "fix") atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into essential plant
building blocks (e.g. amino acids, proteins etc.).
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When should
I use an inoculant?
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Rhizobium
inoculants should be used when planting any legume or clover crop.
Inoculation can provide an economic return to the farmer in all
legume planting situations.
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What does
a sticker do?
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A
sticker can significantly increase the adhesion of inoculant to
the seed surface. Without a sticker, the product will fail to
adhere to the seed, and accumulate in the bottom of the planter
box. The most convenient sticker is one that is integral or actually
a part of the product, allowing a quick, clean and easy inoculation.
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A
safener is added to an inoculant to help protect the rhizobial
cells against desiccation and pesticide exposure. Rhizobia will
quickly die on the seed surface if left unprotected (even when
a liquid inoculant dries on the seed, these essentially naked
cells will quickly die). Additionally, the safener helps protect
the Rhizobium cells from pesticides.
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How do you
apply the inoculant?
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There
are several methods to apply an inoculant. For proper procedures,
follow the directions on the inoculant package.In general, there
are two methods of applying an inoculant. These methods are determined
by the type of inoculant purchased. The most common is the slurry
method application, where typical applications are discussed below.
Other inoculation include planter blox applications which are
applied to the seed dry.
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The
traditional slurry method which is used with most peat based inoculants
is accomplished by placing the content of inoculant package in
approximately 2/3 pint of a water and corn syrup or molasses solution.
Stir thoroughly.
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In
a washtub or bucket pour 1/4 of the required seed and 1/4 of the
slurry mixture onto the seed. Mix thoroughly. Repeat process until
all required seed is treated. If the seed is wet, allow to set
for no longer than thirty minutes to allow to dry.
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Plant
immediately.
