How important is inoculating legume seeds?

[FarmerDan]

Does the inoculant actually have to contact the seed? Seems to me it would work to spread the inoculant on the plots before a rain no matter what seed you plan on planting. That way the bacteria is on the soil before you ever plant.

Tell me this wouldn’t work?


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Funny you should ask....I got to wondering about spraying it on to a field. I'll let you read the article. But, apparently the bacteria eventually has to come in contact with the seed.

https://www.croplife.com/crop-inputs/seed-biotech/understanding-inoculation-techniques-for-legumes/

 

[yoderjac]

It is always interesting understanding the details of stuff like this. I love learning. On the other hand, when it comes to deer management, perhaps we are just polishing a turd. It is nice to have additional N fixed because of a healthy symbiotic relationship population. I can see where a farmer working to profit may want to run this to ground. However, for folks planting to manage deer, I don't see a significant impact. Food plots are a small part of a deer's overall diet. As long as there is quality food left in the field after the stress period (or the field is attracting deer for those with that objective), it has done its job.

Certainly every place is different, and we don't have the soils of Texas, but my approach to all this is a more general focus on soil health. Healthy soil with significant OM tends to hold more moisture. Clay over sand helps as well. No-till supports moisture retention. Simply inoculating the seed and planting smart mixes should eventually get a healthy microbiome in the field including the symbiotic bacteria for the particular legume.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Hoytvectrix]

Obviously the added benefit of the nitrogen to the plants and of course the deer herd are apparent, but I think anything that gives desirable plants a competitive edge on weeds and other pests is an important tool worth considering. Many farmers using legume cover crops are inoculating if not for the added soil N credits, but also for decreased weed competition. Food plotters are in that boat. I think the cost of inoculant is fairly reasonable for the potential upsides.

 

[yoderjac]

Obviously the added benefit of the nitrogen to the plants and of course the deer herd are apparent, but I think anything that gives desirable plants a competitive edge on weeds and other pests is an important tool worth considering. Many farmers using legume cover crops are inoculating if not for the added soil N credits, but also for decreased weed competition. Food plotters are in that boat. I think the cost of inoculant is fairly reasonable for the potential upsides.

Many weeds for farmers are better for deer than the crops we plant. Managing for deer and other wildlife is quite different than farming and livestock. I'm not arguing that their are zero benefits. I'm suggesting in the big picture of deer management, the benefits are not significant.

 

[FarmerDan]

Many weeds for farmers are better for deer than the crops we plant. Managing for deer and other wildlife is quite different than farming and livestock. I'm not arguing that their are zero benefits. I'm suggesting in the big picture of deer management, the benefits are not significant.

And, perhaps, this deer stuff is just secondary (for some or many of us) to the sheer ecstasy of creating something as wonderful as a plant from something so small as a seed. And then there's the simple joy of discovery. Not everyone can or wants to be a farmer, but the experience is available to all as deep and wide as we/they choose to take it. Seems to me, from a strictly deer habitat improvement perspective, food plots have little place on the agenda - manage what nature has provided and shape it to an ideal whitetail world. Yet, here we are!

 

[yoderjac]

And, perhaps, this deer stuff is just secondary (for some or many of us) to the sheer ecstasy of creating something as wonderful as a plant from something so small as a seed. And then there's the simple joy of discovery. Not everyone can or wants to be a farmer, but the experience is available to all as deep and wide as we/they choose to take it. Seems to me, from a strictly deer habitat improvement perspective, food plots have little place on the agenda - manage what nature has provided and shape it to an ideal whitetail world. Yet, here we are!

Yep. I did not mean to derail the topic. I just wanted to set some context for the new folks who can easily get wrapped up rather than looking at the big picture. I do find the science fascinating.

Thanks,

Jack