Download inoculants - Johnny`s Selected Seeds

 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