Using seed inoculant every time?

[Longleaf]

Is there a point at which it no longer becomes necessary to inoculate legume seed? I've always inoculated legumes, or bought coated seed, however I was thinking about it this past weekend while planting some alyce clover and jointvetch and wondering if eventually we reach a point where it is not necessary.

 

[yoderjac]

Yes, typically after the first time you plant the field. Once you have inoculated and grown a legume, there is usually enough of that living in the field that subsequent plantings of any legume that cooperates with that specific inoculant that inoculation is not necessary.

For the new folks, inoculating a legume does not improve germination. It does increase the amount of nitrogen that the legume fixes into the soil.