Question By: Inoculation is the process of applying Rhizobium bacteria to legume seed to form a symbiotic relationship with the developing plant. Bacteria (Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium) are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N) into forms usable by plants. The N-fixing bacteria are of two general kinds—symbiotic and non-symbiotic. The non-symbiotic group consists of free-living organisms, whereas the symbiotic group cannot function without the aid of a host plant. The association between the host plant and the symbiotic bacteria is mutually beneficial in that the plant furnishes the necessary energy, and the bacteria uses this energy to fix atmospheric N that can be used by the host plant. With a few exceptions, the plants with which the symbiotic N-fixing bacteria are associated belong to the legume family. The development of nodules on the roots of a legume is evidence that the symbiotic bacteria are present.
When using commercial inoculants, the following rules for successful inoculation should be observed:
Purchase fresh inoculant from the proper cross-inoculation group – Before completing purchase, note the expiration date printed on the container and make sure that the bacteria culture is of a strain that will inoculate the legume to be planted. See Table 1 for legumes included in each cross-inoculation group. Store culture in a cool, dry place until it is to be used.
Inoculate if there is any doubt as to whether bacteria of the proper strain are present in the soil – If peanuts or soybeans have a long history of being planted in the field, less response to inoculants may occur.
For powder inoculants, follow directions for each crop – Put a sticking compound on the seed, then add inoculant and mix well with seed. If seed becomes too wet, allow to dry before putting into a seed hopper for planting. Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the inoculated seed. During planting apply granular or liquid inoculants in the seed furrow at the manufacturers' recommended rates.
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