[The interaction of Bradyrhizobium japonicum with clay minerals]

It is shown that such clay minerals as palygorskite and montmorillonite stimulate growth activity of Bradyrhizobium japonicum. The bacteria come into contact with the above minerals. Granulated preparations of rhizobia have been developed on the basis of the results obtained. These preparations are characterized by the high yield of viable cells and a possibility of long-term storage. The use of montmorillonite in production of granulated preparations provides the higher yield of viable bacteria in the preparations and stability of their composition under long-term storage.