FACTORS AFFECTING THE RESPONSE OF CLOVER ESTABLISHMENT TO INOCULATION AND PELLETING

Abstract

Results of trials evaluating the effectiveness of different inoculation and pelleting techniques on the establishment of clovers oversown in tussock grassland sites are discussed. These trials were carried out simulating as far as possible the practical applications. Response to inoculation and pelleting varied with environmental conditions (e.g., altitude, soil acidity and vegetative cover), time of sowing, and populations of rhizobia in the soil. On some soils, clover established reasonably Erom inoculated seed, while on some acid soils effective pelleting of inoculated seed was essential. Environmental conditions influenced the standards required for inoculants and pelleted seed. The importance of field testing in addition to laboratory testing is stressed.