Myths and truths about agricultural inoculants

Inoculants are biological inputs with microorganisms that help in the development of plants. They were discovered in 1891 by German scientists Friedrich Nobbe and Lorenz Hiltner. At the time, they isolated and multiplied rhizobia, a type of bacteria that showed the ability to associate with the roots of leguminous plants, enabling them to nourish themselves with nitrogen from the environment.

This discovery gave rise to inoculants, used in Brazil since the 1950s and currently offered in liquid and peat form. In its liquid formula, for example, it can be applied via seed and via sowing furrow. To make better use of the product, it is important that the farmer strictly follows the manufacturers' instructions.

Even though it is already known on the national market, many producers still have doubts about the product and its use. Therefore, we have prepared a quick guide demystifying some points and bringing truths about these inputs, check it out:

Plants become healthier.

True. Plant nutrition occurs by including bacteria in the plant development process. The improvement in crop growth occurs through the production of phytohormones and the formation of nodules or symbiosomes, capable of transforming nitrogen in the air into ammonium that is more available for plant absorption.

All inoculants are the same.

Myth. Suppose we have two inoculant options for the same culture using the same bacteria. The final product is distinct, since the quality and efficiency of the inoculant is directly related to its formulation. This formulation is responsible for conditioning the bacteria and helping them to remain in the best physiological state when taking action. For example, it can be seen that not all inoculants have the same bacterial count, nor the same application recommendation, nor the same shelf life (expiration).

It's more sustainable.

True. The use of inoculants inhibits pollution, reduces residues in the soil and reduces the use of inputs. This happens because the addition of bacteria makes it possible to improve the use of nutrients by the crop, thus improving its growth without deteriorating the environment. It's a way to earn more and produce with less in a sustainable way. In the case of soybean cultivation, for example, adequate inoculation provides the crop, on average, with more than 60% of the nitrogen it needs, thus reducing the use of urea, which reduces the environmental impact.

Inoculants must be refrigerated at low temperatures.

This myth is related to the premise that not all inoculants are the same. An inoculant that must be kept cold had an inappropriate formulation. A poor formulation does not keep the bacteria alive and is therefore offset by the need for refrigeration.

Quality inoculants are perfectly stable under normal conditions. To preserve the quality of the product, storage and use recommendations must be followed, as, being a biological product, it cannot be left in the sun or directly exposed to high temperatures.

The use of inoculants generates savings.

True. Cell Tech Max, for example, completely replaces nitrogen fertilizer in soybean crops and guarantees high productivity at low cost. A fertilization of soybeans with 900kg of traditional urea costs R$1.820,00 per hectare. The same amount of soybeans fertilized with inoculant costs R$2,50 per hectare for the producer.

Márcio Miranda, Sales Manager at Novozymes BioAg