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Seed Inoculation

Encyclopedia Article

Nitrogen fixation is critical for high soybean yields. For nitrogen fixation to occur, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria known as Bradyrhizobia japonicum must be established in the soil through seed inoculation. Soybean can obtain up to 50 to 75% of its nitrogen requirements from the air when nitrogen-fixing bacteria have established functioning nodules on the roots.

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When to Inoculate Soybean Seed in Iowa

April 28, 2009

by Palle Pedersen, Department of Agronomy

Soybean is a legume with a seed content of approximately 38 percent protein. Because of its seed protein concentration, soybean has a large nitrogen demand and continues to increase as yield increases. Total nitrogen accumulation for soybean is supplied by two sources: the nitrogen fixation and from the residual soil nitrogen pool.

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