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Inoculation with Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria in Grasses -

Azospirillum is common in tropical soils, but its incidence in much lower in the soils of temperate countries. Inoculation of seeds and seedlings of grain and forage grasses with these bacteria (seed or root bacterization) would result in increased yields through nitrogen fixation.

Experiments in Florida show that only 2 of 40 genotypes responded to Azospirillum inoculation.

One genotype of D. decumbens yielded 163% of uninoculated controls. One of P.maxima yielded 150%. Smith et al, (1977) concluded that up to 40 kg of N per ha can be provided to grasses through nitrogen fixation by Azospirillum inoculated plants.

Azotobacter chroococcum has been used as an incoculant in large areas of the U.S.S.R. to increase crop yields. Bacterization of corn, wheat, barley and oats in Eastern European countries has resulted in yield increases, confirming many of the Soviet observations. Other explanations have also been suggested for the increased yields.