Application of molybdenum to inoculated, lime-coated white clover seed

Abstract Three experiments were carried out to compare the effects of applying molybdenum (Mo) to inoculated, coated (pelleted) seed with applying Mo in fertiliser on Mo-deficient tussock grassland soils. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) growth was stimulated by Mo with no apparent differences in the effectiveness of pellet-or fertiliser-applied Mo. The application of Mo to pelleted seed had no detectable effects on the survival of rhizobia on the seed, early seedling establishment, or seedling nodulation. On Mo-deficient soils the application of Mo to pelleted seed is recommended, not only to ensure an even distribution of Mo but also to ensure placement of Mo in the immediate vicinity of the establishing legume seedlings.