Purchasing and caring for biological inoculants

More topics in this section

Fresh is best when it comes to the purchase and care of biological inoculant products as they contain living rhizobia. The decisions made in selecting the right product, and transporting and handling products appropriately, will optimise the results of legume nodulation and maximise yield potential.

	Product selection check Green Ticked for quality assurance product Correct inoculant host group for each legume Optimal soil pH for rhizobia strain Within expiry date for peat inoculants Within 5 weeks of batch date for pre-coated seed
	In-store storage check Peat products are refrigerated at 4oC Pre-coated seed is not in direct sunlight Pre-coated seed is stored below 25oC Viable bare seed is used for custom inoculation
	Transport check Carry products out of direct sunlight and in a cool esky from store to farm
	On-farm storage check Peat products are refrigerated at 4oC Pre-coated seed is not in direct sunlight Pre-coated seed is stored below 25oC Custom store inoculated seed is used fresh
	On-farm use check Soil pH is optimal for rhizobia strain Potable water used in inoculation process Crushing or cracking seed is avoided Limit rhizobia/ fungicide exposure time to <5 hrs Sow into a moist soil, <24hrs for peat & <6hrs for liquid or freeze dried products