Inoculation of legume crops is a very economical practice and provides good insurance for nitrogen-fixation in legume plants. Always inoculate with a high-quality inoculant and follow the best practices for inoculant use listed below.
Inoculants contain high concentrations of Rhizobium bacteria specific to the crop being planted. These are living organisms that need proper care to ensure viability.
Storage Guidelines: Proper storage is critical to the effectiveness of the inoculant.
Store between 40 and 77º F.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Do not open package until ready to use.
Do not allow product or packaging to become wet or exposed to high humidity.
Do not store products in areas that are fumigated.
Do not allow product to freeze.
Water Quality: Always use non-chlorinated water. Chlorine has been added to most public water supplies and will be harmful to the Rhizobium. If you do not have access to non-chlorinated water, you could optionally use de-chlorination tablets or allow chlorine to dissipate by leaving water in a clean, open container for 24 hours.
Inoculant Tank Cleanliness: Keep inoculant tanks clean. It is recommended that you clean your inoculant tank weekly to ensure no remaining residue or fungal growth is present, which could be detrimental to the Rhizobium.
Inoculant Compatibility: Never mix inoculant with any kind of fertilizer or pesticide unless the manufacturer has tested the compatibility in advance.
Product Expiration: Always use inoculants before the published expiration date.
When to use Inoculant for legumes: Rhizobia in the soil can become ineffective over time. Although they may remain good nodulators, they can become lazy and not fix nitrogen effectively. Fresh rhizobium will maximize yield benefits as these rhizobia will out-compete the indigenous rhizobia in the soil.
Always use inoculant for the following conditions:
Virgin soils
Long rotations
CRP land
Under stress conditions such as:
Extremely high or low pH levels (above 7.8 or below 5.5)
Low organic matter levels
Drought or flood
High soil temperatures
Sandy Soils
Soils that have been fumigated
Soils with high salt content
Contact Visjon Biologics or your local retailer for more information about Exceed® brand products.