First we need to define inoculation. Inoculation is the process of adding effective bacteria to the host plant seed before planting. The purpose of inoculation is to make sure that there is enough of the correct type of bacteria present in the soil so that a successful legume-bacterial symbiosis is established. The purpose of all of this is so the plant can utilize or "fix" nitrogen. Nitrogen that can be made available to the plant in order for it to grow more effectively. This will produce a better yield and more for your animals to eat.

The bacteria that is added to the seed is capable of living in the soil but usually needs to be added in areas where soils are not optimal such as acidic or waterlogged soils. So next time you plant a legume such as clover, peas or vetch, ask for the inoculation or check to see if it is pre-inoculated.

My quote of the week comes from Oscar Wilde. It reads, "What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."