Immobilization and Survival of Root Nodule Bacterium Rhizobium leguminosarum Biovar viciae

Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae is a bacterium, which can establish nodules on roots of legumes. Rhizobial inoculants are used in agriculture as bio-fertilizers. Peat, clay powder and three kinds of expanded clay were tested for the immobilization of bacteria. The results showed that carrier material influences the success of immobilization and that storage temperature influences the survival. The best results were achieved with maintenance of bacteria in a suspension and immobilization on peat. We recommend storage of rhizobial products at a temperature of −18 C or 4 C