7 Practical Tips for using Crop Inoculant

Using inoculants can be a little daunting. There are many different brands, types and ways to apply crop inoculants. These practical tips for using crops inoculants will help with any type of bacterial inoculant.

1. Not all inoculants work with every crop. For instance crops that naturally hold more air, such as corn, will benefit from using an inoculant with Lactobacillus buchneri, which finishes off the second half of fermentation and helps with aerobic stability. Always check that the inoculant is specific to your crop species.

2. Check the expiration date. Most bacteria-based crop inoculants have a shelf life of 2-3 years, but every brand is different. Inoculants are based on living organisms that were freeze dried. When they come in contact with moisture, they activate and can only live for around 48 hours.

3. Check the application rate! Each brand of bacterial inoculant has it's own instructions for mixing and applying. A true bacterial inoculant will not harm any crop or equipment if spillage or over-application happens. More may cost you a few cents, but under-applying can be ineffective.

4. Avoid chemicals! Anything that can kill bacteria will kill the inoculant. This applies to chlorinated water, applicator tanks not rinsed out from acids or other chemicals. Make sure to triple rinse any applicators or mixing containers. You can use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to flush your systems as well.

5. Avoid heat! Heat over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will kill the bacteria, as will hay steamers. If you do not use an insulated applicator (which is recommended) you can use ice packs in the tank, which won't add water and throw off your application rate. Be sure to keep an eye on your tank temperature, especially if the tank is affected by engine heat.

6. Cold won't kill it. The best place to store inoculant when not using it is in the fridge or freezer.

7. Getting late in the season and afraid the water lines will freeze? You can add 2% of propylene glycol (pink antifreeze). Example=1.5 cups of antifreeze to 5 gallons of mixed inoculant. Taking the inoculant out of the tank and freezing it is also an option.

   
   

   Inoculants are a very good tool that you can use to invest in your crop. The returns from dry matter recovery, animal health benefits and fermentation quality are only the top few benefits.