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inoculating legumes



I am often asked if it is necessary to inoculate legumes (peas, beans,
soybeans, vetch, clover, etc.) every seeding when the soil has a history of
growing these crops and the crop has previously formed nodules.

I understand Rhizobium does not necessarily overwinter well and that there
are soil predators which feed on it.  We are in a mild climate (soils
generally do not freeze although we do get a dusting of snow) and summer
day tempertures average in the 70's.

Is there a general rule of thumb, i.e., if the crop nodulated last year, no
need to inoculate this year.  Or, if you have had the crop within the last
3 years and it nodulated, no need to inoculate this year.  Or, inoculate
every year regardless of crop/nodule history.  Or, to complicate things,
perhaps certain plant species need inoculum every year while others don't.


I look forward to some learned opinions.

    Carol A. Miles, Ph.D.
    Washington State University
    Extension Agricultural Systems
    360 NW North Street
    Chehalis, WA   98532
    PHONE 360-740-1295   FAX 360-740-2792
    milesc@wsu.edu