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INOCULANTS 955 Benton Ave., Winslow, ME 04901 Phone: 1-877-564-6697 Fax: 1-800-738-6314 Email: [email protected] Web Site: Johnnyseeds.com Inoculants are commercially prepared Rhizobia bacteria that dramatically increase the ability of legumes to convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia nitrogen. Atmospheric nitrogen is plentiful but unavailable for plant growth. Ammonia nitrogen is readily used by growing plants. Inoculation is the process of introducing Rhizobia bacteria to the legume seed which stimulates the formation of nitrogen-producing nodules on the roots. Choosing the correct inoculants to match the particular legume being grown is critical to proper nitrogen fixation because the various strains of Rhizobia are specific to each legume. See below for appropriate strains to use. WHY INOCULATE? Fertilizer savings. Seventy-nine percent of the air we breathe is made up of nitrogen. Properly Inoculated legumes are able to convert and use this "free" nitrogen, eliminating the need for supplemental additional nitrogen fertilization. Inoculated legumes, once tilled in, are capable of adding 55 to 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre to the soil for the subsequent growing season. Higher yields. Legume harvests average more pounds per acre when properly inoculated, which increases total production and, therefore, income. Continued effectiveness. Because Rhizobia bacteria lose their nitrogen-fixing effectiveness over time, it is suggested that fresh inoculant be used at planting time every two to three seasons—and always when planting new ground that has not previously been inoculated. Continuous use of fresh Rhizobia will maximize yield benefits as these "fresh" Rhizobia will out-compete the indigenous nodule-forming bacteria. Improved soil conditions. When mature legumes are tilled in, they decompose rapidly and increase organic matter in the soil, thus improving a soil's physical, chemical, and biological condition. CHECKING INOCULANT EFFECTIVENESS To ensure the maximum soil-building and nitrogen-fixing effectiveness from inoculants, periodic examination of the legume roots is needed. Using a garden spade or fork, dig up a maturing plant and look closely at its root structure. If necessary, rinse away the excess soil. Using a sharp knife, slice a few nodules open and check the color. Nodules that are actively fixing and converting free nitrogen to ammonia (plant food), are pink or reddish brown; white nodules are either underdeveloped or are ineffective; soft, green nodules are past their prime and have already contributed to the plant's nitrogen economy. INOCULANTS OFFERED BY JOHNNY'S 9321 Garden Combination. For snap, dry, and lima beans, as well as peas. Treats 8 pounds of seed. (Rhizobium leguminosarum viceae and phaseoli and bradyrhizobium biovar sp.) 9324 Soybeans. Treats 300 pounds of seed. (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) 9359 Peas, Lentils, Vetch. Treats 100 pounds of seed. (Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae) 9511 Alfalfa/True Clover Combination. Treats 50 pounds of seed. (Sinorhizobium meliloti & Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii) Revised 2/13 - AL SEED BREEDERS, GROWERS, AND MERCHANTS SINCE 1973