How do you know if an inoculant is needed? You may be wondering if all the hassle is actually worth it, but the consequences of not using one will often mean the difference between crop success and failure.
Though rhizobia can last in the soil for up to five years under perfect conditions it is recommended to apply an inoculant once a year to compensate for environmental and regional challenges that may arise (like soil conditions, weather conditions, and more). Using a liquid inoculant, specifically, offers numerous benefits to growers.
Seed inoculants, especially ones with rhizobia bacteria, help legumes to fix nitrogen. This in turn reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer, giving growers more time and money for other focuses. Inoculants also promoted better seed germination and early plant development by improving nutrient availability and uptake in the plants.
“By doing that, seed inoculants can lead to higher crop yields and better-quality produce,” said Vikas Chand, BrettYoung Corn, Soybean, and Biologicals Product Manager. “They can also enhance the plant’s resistance to diseases by promoting a healthy root system and creating competition against pathogens.”
Liquid inoculants are also an eco-friendly method of helping your crop to fix its own nitrogen. By reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the use of inoculants promotes sustainable agricultural practices. The beneficial bacteria in inoculants contribute to the soil health too, enhancing microbial diversity and activity, leading to better soil structure and fertility over time.
“Seed inoculants are easy to use,” added Chand. “They can be easily applied to the seed before planting, which ensures the beneficial microbes are in close proximity to the plant roots from the start. They can often be used with other compatible seed treatments as well, making them a versatile tool.”
Liquid inoculants can be tailored to specific crops and crop varieties, ensuring you get the most out of them. BrettYoung has a full lineup of liquid inoculants to choose from, including Osmium®, which offers growers maximum flexibility and longer on-seed survival. Learn more about Osmium here.
