New biofertiliser technologies offer potential to enhance pulse root crop growth right from the start and through the growing season.
Pump up your pulse potential
The macro nutrient nitrogen (N) is important for the growth of all crops, particularly protein crops. As pulse crops receive no supplemental nitrogen, they rely on soil and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobium) in root nodules for their nitrogen supply.
What are biofertilisers?
Biofertilisers contain bacteria which fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium (NH4) and organic nitrogen. They provide an extra source of nitrogen by ‘topping up’ the nitrogen from soil and rhizobium sources.
This added nitrogen ensures consistent availability during crop growth and pod fill, supporting healthy development throughout the season.
How do biofertilisers help?
Biofertilisers are particularly beneficial in dry or cooler conditions, especially in sandy soils with low residual nitrogen content. They support crop growth during periods of slow soil mineralisation. By enhancing nitrogen availability to plants, biofertilisers contribute to improved root development, increased biomass, and ultimately higher yields.
Available products
Factors affecting nitrogen availability in pulse crops:
- Poor soil conditions at establishment and soil profile compaction
- High levels of winter rainfall and nitrogen losses via leaching
- Low levels of rhizobium bacteria in the soil
- Loss of root nodules due to damage from pea and bean weevil
Always On Nitrogen Generation
NUELLO® iN seed treatment includes two unique endophyte bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form readily usable by the growing plant. They enter the plant through root cracks throughout the season. One of these bacteria, Curtobacterium salicaceae, is also capable of mobilising soil insoluble phosphate to be available for seedling rooting and establishment.
Trials results 2024
Results in vining peas showed an average yield improvement of 0.98 t/ha, with no effect on maturity, (measured using a Tenderometer reading, TR). The data in the chart below reflect results from five trials; two in Lincolnshire, one in Norfolk and two in Scotland.
Foliar Applied Endophyte Technology
For ultimate flexibility, VIXERAN® is a foliar applied biofertiliser. It contains the highly efficient atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacterium, Azotobacter salinestris, which colonises foliage, roots and the soil biosphere. Trials have demonstrated that VIXERAN® can contribute a nitrogen equivalent of up to 30 kg/ha in other arable crops.
Trials results in pulses
Field bean trials in 2023 gave a yield benefit averaging 12.7%, while 2024 vining pea field trials showed a 22% improvement in fresh and frozen yield.
NUELLO® iN | VIXERAN® | |
| Product Type | Biological seed treatment, biofertiliser | Biological foliar product, biofertiliser |
| Bacteria | Nitrogen fixing, Curtobacterium Salicaceae and Pseudomonas siliginis | Nitrogen fixing, Azotobacter salinestris |
| Crops | Vining peas, beans, cereals, maize, oilseed rape | Field beans and Vining peas, where seed not treated with NUELLO® iN. All arable crops, including potatoes and sugar beet. |
| Application | Apply through conventional static and mobile seed treaters that are clean and correctly calibrated |
|
| Compatibility | Most leading seed treatments when co-applied. Not in tank mix | Readily integrated with conventional agronomy programmes – for example tank-mixed with fungicide applications |
| Organic | Certified for use in organic production systems. Consult your certification body prior to use | Certified for use in organic production systems. Consult your certification body prior to use |