The effect of sodium molybdate mixed in the lime seed pellet on nodulation, nitrogen content, and growth of subterranean clover

Abstract

Sodium molybdate at l 1/2 oz, 3 oz, and 6 oz mixed with 6 lb ground limestone and pelleted onto 12 lb of Trifolium subterraneum cv. Geraldton inoculated with peat culture markedly reduced clover nodulation, growth, and combined nitrogen production compared with nil sodium molybdate. Mixtures of sodium molybdate l 1/2 oz, 3 oz, and 6 oz with l80 lb superphosphate drilled at 180 lb an acre with 12 lb an acre clover seed inoculated and pelleted with 6 lb ground limestone had no effect on nodulation, increased dry matter production by 70 per cent, and increased nitrogen per acre in tops by 110 per cent compared with nil sodium molybdate. The differences persisted into the second growing season.