NoduleN^TM is a legume inoculant containing effective strains of Rhizobia, designed to enhance nitrogen fixation in legume plants. It improves crop yields and soil health by converting atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms.

Rhizobia are beneficial bacteria that are applied to legume seeds or soil to establish a symbiotic relationship with legume plants. When rhizobia bacteria encounter legume roots, they form nodules on the root system. Inside these nodules, the bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into a form plants can use (NH₄⁺). The plant provides carbohydrates to the bacteria in exchange for this fixed nitrogen.

• May reduce fertiliser input requirements in subsequent crops
• Improved soil fertility as some fixed nitrogen remains in soil after harvest
• More sustainable farming practices with lower environmental impact
• Can enhanced protein content in legume crops
• Improved soil structure due to increased organic matter
• Can increase yields by 20-60% depending on conditions
• Improves long-term soil productivity

NoduleN^TM utilises specific soil bacteria (Rhizobia) that form nodules on the roots of legume plants. These bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2), making it available for the plant's use, thus reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

In the GRDC publication Inoculating Legumes: Practice and Science it advises “when sowing legumes, inoculation should always be considered due to the potential to increase N fixation and grain yield” (Farquharson et al 2022). Further specific examples of when inoculation or even double inoculation of legumes include:

• Planting legumes in paddocks with no prior history of the target legume
• If it has been more than four years since the target legume was grown in the paddock
• Soil lacks desired rhizobia strain for target crop
• To introduce newly selected rhizobial strains with increased effectiveness and survival
• Areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions, particularly where the paddock has been subjected to a hot, dry summer
• If the paddock has acidic or highly alkaline soils
• Environmental conditions have reduced natural rhizobia populations (pH, low levels of organic matter, high salt levels)

NoduleN^TM can be applied using two common methods:

• Slurry Seed Treatment: Mix the inoculant with a specified amount of water and apply it directly to the seeds.
• Liquid Injection: Inject the solution directly into the planting furrow to ensure it contacts the seeds during sowing.

For optimal performance, it is recommended to sow treated seeds within 6 hours of inoculation and no later than 24 hours after treatment. The soil should be moist at planting to enhance effectiveness.

NoduleN^TM should not be tank mixed or used directly after applying agricultural pesticides, fertilizers, or trace elements like zinc and copper, as these substances can be toxic to Rhizobia.

NoduleN^TM should be stored between 4°C-10°C, away from direct sunlight, and should not be frozen. Opened packs should not be stored for future use.

Depending on the legume and conditions, NoduleN^TM may provide approximately 30-200 kg/ha of nitrogen annually, which is equivalent to 64-432 kg of urea.

Farquharson EA, Ballard RA, Herridge DF, Ryder MH, Denton MD, Webster A, Yates RJ, Seymour NP, Deaker RJ, Hartley E, Gemmel LG, Hackney B, O’Hara GW. 2022. Inoculating Legumes: Practice and Science, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Australia