Soybean Inoculant For Sale

What Does Inoculant Do for Soybeans?

Soybeans are in the legume family (Fabaceae) and are capable of producing their own nitrogen.  Soybeans need a specific rhizobia bacteria in the soil for the plant to fixate nitrogen from the atmosphere and turn it into a form the plants can use.  The rhizobia bacteria is a naturally occurring organism, but it does have to be introduced to the soil in most cases.  

When is Inoculant Needed for Soybean Planting?

If soybeans have not been grown on the site before, they need to be inoculated before planting.  If it has been a few years since soybeans have been planted, it is recommended to use inoculate.  If the site has been flooded for a long period of time, primarily during the growing season, it is recommended to inoculate the seed prior to planting.  Inoculants are cheap insurance.  University research has shown there to be a 2-3 bushel per acre yield increase for soybeans that were inoculated when the ground had been in continuous soybeans.    

What Type of Inoculant is Needed for Forage Soybeans?

Not all inoculants are the same.  There are different strains of inoculants or bacteria for different types of legumes.  Soybeans take a different strain than red clover.  Red clover is different than white clover.  Iron Clay Cowpeas is different than soybeans. You want to be sure to use the right strain of inoculant for your soybeans.

Soybeans require S Type inoculant.  When purchasing inoculant for soybeans, you will need S Type.  Do not ask for just “inoculant”.  The person behind the counter may not know legumes require specific types of inoculant and give you the wrong type.  Make sure it is specifically an inoculant for soybeans.  When you purchase soybean inoculant from Foragesoybeans.com, it will be the proper inoculant.  

How to Apply Inoculants for Soybeans

Peat based inoculant is the most common type of inoculant used.  It is a very fine, black powder.  It is comparable in looks and feel of graphite powder.  It is very simple to apply.  Applying directly to seed just before planting is all that is required.  We suggest pouring the seed into a large container like a five gallon bucket or a #3 washtub for convenience.  You can pour the seed into the container and then sprinkle the inoculant over the seed while mixing the seed with your hands.  The black colored inoculant will stick to your hands, but it washes off easily.  Once the inoculant has been applied to the seed, the seed is ready for planting.  Only apply the inoculant when you are ready to plant.  The inoculant is a living bacteria and should be treated with care, not storing it in a hot environment.  

Is a Sticking Agent Required With Inoculant?

No, a sticking agent is not required.  At one time it was thought a sticking agent was required.  It was often recommended to sprinkle water or a carbonated drink onto the seed before applying the inoculant was needed.  Research has shown the sticking agent is not needed.  As long as the seed gets inoculant on it, it is ready for planting.  

How to Store Soybean Inoculant

How long is soybean inoculant good for? Inoculant is a living organism, and it should be treated with care.  Inoculant should be used in the season it was purchased.  Ultraviolent light and heat can kill the rhizobia bacteria.  Placing it on the dash of your truck where the sun can cook it is a sure way of killing the bacteria.  Do not freeze the inoculant either.  Freezing it can shorten its life and will not preserve it.  Storing inoculant is a cool place is best for short term storage.