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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #45408
Title: INOCULATION STRATEGIES FOR INTRODUCED SOIL ORGANISMS

Author
item Elliott, Lloyd
item PAPENDICK ROBERT - ARS-WSU, PULLMAN, WA

Submitted to: Soil Biota
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/25/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Decreasing pesticide and fertilizer inputs in an attempt to develop more sustainable agriculture requires the development of biocontrol approaches and more effective nutrient management systems. The successful use of this technology requires improving the success of establishing beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Strategies to accomplish this include improved knowledge of preparing homogenious and environmentally compatible inoculum, inoculum that is competitive, unique substrate applications, exploitation of plant-organism recognition mechanisms in inoculum development, and use of compatible carriers. Another important strategy is developing knowledge of how to improve or take advantage of crop, soil, and residue management for the successful introduction of inoculum. In many cases, the success of an inoculum is a numbers' game. Use of these approaches will increase the success of establishing inoculum in the soil.

Technical Abstract: Improving the success of establishing beneficial microorganisms in the soil is a top priority for developing sustainable cropping systems. Strategies to accomplish this include improved knowledge of preparing homogeneous and environmentally compatible inoculum, inoculum that is competitive, and exploitation of plant-organism recognition mechanisms in inoculum development. Another important strategy is developing knowledge of how to improve crop, soil, and residue management for the successful introduction of inoculum. In many cases, the success of an inoculum is a numbers game. Use of these approaches will increase the success of establishing inoculum in the soil.