Crops need three main things to thrive: sunlight for photosynthesis and chlorophyll production, water to help with nutrient absorption and transpiration, and the nutrients themselves. While soil naturally contains nutrients, they're often unavailable in sufficient quantities, so they need to be added. 

Soybeans, like other legumes, have the unique ability to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, primarily Bradyrhizobium japonicum, colonize the plant's roots and help form nodules that turn atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonium (NH₄⁺), a form plants can use to grow and thrive. 

This adding of Bradyrhizobium inoculant is a natural nitrogen-boosting process which is especially important in nitrogen-poor soils like those found in Western Canada where native Bradyrhizobium levels are low or even non-existent. 

How Compatibility Testing Works 

Seed treatment compatibility tests are conducted by Novonesis to ensure that inoculants remain effective when used alongside registered pesticides and other seed treatments.