|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Resources Forum Reference Library Frequently Asked Questions News |
Inoculating Your LegumesLegumes work in harmony with a group of bacteria (rhizobacteria) that live symbiotically on their roots. These bacteria do the work of taking gaseous nitrogen from the air and "fixing" or concentrating it in pink root nodules which then slough off, adding nitrogen to the soil in a form plants can take up as a nutrient. Properly inoculated legumes can generate up to 300 lb of useable protein-based nitrogen per acre. Inoculating with rhizobacteria also significantly increases top and root growth in legumes, thus increasing organic matter, soil aeration, soil stabilization, etc. Rhizobacteria exist naturally in the soil, but not in sufficient amounts to maximize nitrogen fixation. Other naturally occurring bacteria compete with nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria for a home on legume roots. It is important to inoculate (coat the seed) to insure a high level of viable rhizobacteria when the seed germinates. The Right Inoculant: Many of the legumes we provide are preinoculated with the correct rhizobacteria and a protective coating. For "raw" or un-inoculated legume seed, we highly recommend you purchase the appropriate inoculant. There are different strains of rhizobacteria which work only on specific seeds. It is best to use inoculant every time you plant that legume, even if you've inoculated in that soil area before. Since the bacteria is alive, it has a definite shelf life and should be used prior to the expiration date on the package. Use new inoculant when in doubt. It's easy! Put the seed in a bucket or barrel, moisten it a little with water or milk so that the inoculant will stick to it. Then sprinkle the inoculant onto the seed and mix thoroughly until the seed gets well coated. The seed will turn black when you have covered it enough. You cannot use too much inoculant. Cover the seed when you are ready to plant and do not leave the inoculated seed in the sun.
See the following Product Category for related products:
Back to Reference Library Index
|
| |||||||||||||
 |
Entire Contents Copyright 1997-2008 Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Inc. All Rights Reserved. GrowOrganic.com • Everything You Need For Organic Gardening P.O. Box 2209, 125 Clydesdale Court, Grass Valley, CA 95945 • Tel (530) 272-4769 Order Toll Free (888) 784-1722 • Email helpdesk@groworganic.com Site maintained by Euca Design Center |
||||||||||||