Inoculate Soybeans on Virgin Soil
Inoculate Soybeans on Virgin Soil
Proper soybean inoculation is vital to getting the crop off to a good start. However, there are many environmental factors—like floods and droughts—that negatively impact the survival of bacteria.
Another, less obvious factor? Virgin soil.
When you plant soybeans year after year in the same fields, there is a natural buildup of organisms in the soil—meaning nitrogen, phosphorus and other growth-enhancing chemicals are readily available.
But say you have no history of growing soybeans in certain areas. Or perhaps you plant in longer crop rotations, and your field hasn’t seen any beans in a few years.
Likely, the bacteria population in those fields is sparse. Fewer bacteria means lower chances of nitrogen fixation. And your beans may need some special attention in order to produce worthwhile yields.
If it’s been more than 3-5 years since you last planted soybeans on the soil, inoculating with fresh rhizobium bacteria will significantly increase the chances for nitrogen fixation—and significantly the benefit the plant.
You may consider DOUBLE INOCULATION too.
You could even consider double-inoculating on first-time soybean ground to ensure adequate nodulation.
WHAT IS DOUBLE INOCULATION?
Double inoculation is an application method that combines seed-applied inoculants with a sequential in-furrow application of a liquid or granular inoculant. Double inoculation DOES NOT mean applying double the application rate.
WHY DOUBLE INOCULATE?
Seed-applied inoculants tend to form nodules closer to the location of the seed. In-furrow-applied inoculants tend to form nodules on the secondary or lateral roots. By combining the two methods, you’ll allow for a wider distribution of nodules along the entire root system.
Remember to always inoculant (or double inoculate) soybeans on virgin soil. And consider these other circumstances when inoculating your seed is not only advisable, but likely necessary too...