Free chlorine ions can be very detrimental to all rhizobia strains.
Chlorine is commonly added to municipal water supplies to kill potentially harmful microorganisms. However, many kinds of microbes, including harmless bacteria such as rhizobia, are killed as well. For this reason, it is important when using water for a carrier for rhizobia inoculants that a chlorine free water source is used, i.e. well water, rain water or dechlorinated water.
Water from municipalities and rural water districts contain various levels of chlorine and should not be used as a carrier for rhizobia products. Water from these sources should be dechlorinated to remove the harmful free chlorine ions.
Dechlorination of water can be accomplished by:
Using a suitable dechlorinated product (powders or tablets). Check product label or with manufacture for use rates.
To determine the chlorine level in your water supply, check with your rural water district or municipality. If this information is not readily available, chlorine test kits are available for under $40.00 containing 100 tests per kit. For additional information regarding chlorine testing kits call Hach Company at 1-800-227-4224.
Please remember when water is used as a carrier, the first step to successful inoculation begins with a chlorine free water source.
