|
Why
Use Rhizobia Inoculants?
Rhizobia bacteria
are a group of soil based microorganisms (SBO's) which establish
symbiotic relationships with legumes. These SBO's form nodules on the
roots of the legumes and provide nitrogen to the plants. In return,
the plants provide carbon and energy for the SBO's.
Nitrogen
is vital for plant growth. It is abundant in the atmosphere and in
soil organic matter, but not in a form that plants can use.
Conventional methods of providing nitrogen to plants include (1)
adding nitrogen fertilizers to the soil, or (2) inoculating (coating)
seed with nitrogen fixing bacteria. Nitrogen fixing bacteria
convert atmospheric nitrogen to an inorganic form that is useable by
plants. In addition, the provide residual nitrogen, in the soil,
which can reduce or eliminate nitrogen fertilizer requirements for the
next growing season.
| .gif)
