Alfalfa: Effects of seeding rates and Rhizobium inoculations

A seeding-rate and Rhizobium-inoculation trial with alfalfa was established in Tulare County in 1972-73. The purpose of the trial was to examine stand persistence under three different seeding rates, and also to look at the effectiveness of inoculating the seed with the proper Rhizobium sp. (nitrogen fixing bacteria). The Rhizobizmz bacteria infect the root hairs of the alfalfa plant and develop into nodules in the roots. These nodules are responsible for “fixing” atmospheric nitrogen and changing it into a form that can be utilized by the plant.