Nitrogen-fixing bacteria — now a real option

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CONTAINING some of the world’s most researched and highly productive nitrogen-fixing bacteria species, Twin N Inoculum is the only commercial N-fixing inoculum that can claim high viability and numbers to achieve reliability.

N-fixing bacteria are single-celled organisms that act as miniature urea factories, turning nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into plant-available amines and ammonium via a specific enzyme called nitrogenase.

Bio-Tech Organics managing director John Norton said most growers are familiar with legume nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium, and the colonies they form inside nodules — visible white lumps on the roots of legumes.

“It is well established that specifically selected, high-performance strains of these symbiotic legume bacteria can fix between 50 and 200 units of nitrogen per season, depending on soil moisture,” Mr Norton said.

“To do this job, these strains need to be inoculated into the legume seed to ensure their numbers are high enough to colonise each plant and significantly influence total nitrogen production.”

Mr Norton described the process as working like a “feedback system”, with the quantity of nitrogen fixed controlled by the plant itself, receiving the amount it requires based on growing conditions.

Made in Australia, Twin N Inoculum is a freeze-dried product developed and manufactured to a pharmaceutical standard, ensuring a very high and stable colony-forming unit count.

The species selection criteria are based on the quantity of nitrogen able to be fixed by the organism, suitability to a wide range of soil types and climates, and the ability to colonise a variety of plant types.

After extensive trials, the product is now being sold around the world.

It is delivered by post.

For more information on Twin N bacteria and biological farming systems, contact Bio-Tech Organics on (08) 8380 8554 or John Norton on 0412 305 158.