Read instructions for proper storage temperatures. Watch expiration date. Buy fresh inoculant each year and only enough for that season. Beuerlein also recommends using the newer products because of their superior performance over older offerings. Plant seed within 12 hours of inoculation.
Bacteria begin dying shortly after application to the seed.
Under hot, dry conditions, bacteria cells can completely die out in 12 to 24 hours after application. Never mix fungicide seed treatments with inoculants for a single treatment. Apply fungicides first. Wait until dry before applying inoculant. When using an auger to load a drill or planter, add either liquid or dry inoculant where the seed enters the auger.