Establishing Pastures: Legume Inoculation

Table of Contents

1. Legume Inoculation
2. Other Pasture Establishment Recommendations
   • Soil Test
   • Selecting a Seed Mixture
   • Types of Mixtures
   • Seeding Rates
   • The Seedbed
   • Seeding Technique
   • Weed Control When Seeding Forage Stands
3. Related Links

Legume Inoculation

Inoculation refers to mixing rhizobium bacteria with legume seeds prior to planting. After germination, bacteria invade the root hairs of the young seedlings, nodules are formed and the legumes "fix" nitrogen from the air. Well-nodulated legumes get enough nitrogen through fixation to yield well without nitrogen fertilizer. Each legume species requires a specific strain of rhizobium for nodule formation. Pre-inoculated seed is available or inoculation can easily be done at the farm. When buying the inoculant separately, check for the expiry date and handling cautions on the package to ensure effective nitrogen fixation. Inoculate legumes just before seeding. Do not mix inoculated seed with fertilizer.

Related Links

... on forages and pastures, visit Forages and Pastures (OMAFRA)
... on weed control, order Publication 75 Guide to Weed Control: Forage Crops
... on agronomy for field crops, order Pub. 811 Agronomy Guide for Field Crops: Chapter 3 Forages
... on field crop protection, order Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide
... on livestock, visit Livestock (OMAFRA)