NODULATION AND NITROGEN-FIXATION OF FABA BEAN-PLANTS AS INFLUENCED BY THE INOCULATION METHOD OF RHIZOBIUM-LEGUMINOSARUM BIOVAR VICEAE STRAIN RCR-1001

Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae strain RCR 1001 was examined for nodulation and nitrogen fixation of faba bean plants when inculated onto the seeds (S) or into soil as post-emergence water suspension inoculation (P) or both (SP). Nodule number and weights were significantly affected by inoculation treatments. The P and SP inoculations with RCR 1001 nodulated better than S inoculation. Seed plus post-emergence inoculation after 10 days of planting achieved the full potential of nodulation and nitrogen fixation. These differences in nodulation and nitrogen fixation were translated into significantly different dry matter production and nitrogen accumulation. Delayed inoculation with the effective strain until 20 days after planting resulted in satisfactory N2 fixation and plant growth.