When properly nodulated, legumes such as alfalfa and clovers have a unique ability to convert large quantities of nitrogen from the air into a chemical form that plants can use to make protein and other nitrogen compounds necessary for growth. To ensure proper nodulation, inoculate all legume seed (unless pre-inoculated) with the proper bacteria just prior to seeding. This should be done even if the legume to be seeded has been previously grown in the field. To ensure that inoculum sticks to each seed, use an appropriate commercial adhesive or sugar solution. See Cooperative Extension publication AGR-90, Inoculation of Forage Legumes