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Do Soybeans Need Inoculants? Benefits and Application Tips

Jun 10, 2025 | How it works

Do soybeans need an inoculant?

Yes, soybeans generally benefit from an inoculant, especially in fields where soybeans haven’t been grown recently or where soil conditions are poor.  Soybeans form a symbiotic relationship with Bradyrhizobium japonicum, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use.

  • TerraMax’s Maximize inoculant contains two strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum that encourage increased nodulation along the root systems. A low volume of this inoculant is required to treat soybean seed.

 

Can you put too much inoculant on soybeans?

Yes, it is possible to use too much inoculant on soybeans. While inoculants are designed to enhance nitrogen fixation and improve soybean growth, applying them in excessive amounts can lead to issues such as:

  • Unnecessary Expenses: More inoculant than needed can increase costs without providing any additional benefits.
  • Microbial Imbalance: Overapplication could potentially lead to an imbalance of microbes, which may compete with each other or other soil organisms, potentially affecting soil health.

It’s essential to follow the recommended application rates on the product label for optimal results and to avoid these potential issues. TerraMax products all come with an easy to read label with easy to understand directions.

What is America’s best Soybean Inoculant?

TerraMax Dry and TerraMax Liquid-IF are considered among Amaerica’s best soybean inoculants due to their advanced formulation and results.

  • TerraMax Dry and Liquid-IF have an exclusive stabilization method, which ensures that the beneficial microbes remain active for a minimum of two years.
  • TerraMax Dry and Liquid-IF maximize nitrogen fixation and boost soybean yield.
  • TerraMax Dry and Liquid-IF are PFR Proven by Beck’s Hybrids.