ABSTRACT. Survival and nitrogenase efficiency of Nostoc commune and N. austinii were evaluated monthly in four carrier
materials (sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, wheat bran and peat) at 10, 30 and 40 ~ Survival, as well as nitrogenase activity, of
both species was much better in peat, followed by wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse than in wheat straw at 10 and 30 ~ up to
three months, the activity of N. commune being better than N. austinff. None of the materials tested was found to be superior
to peat as carrier of Nostoc species but the results indicated that wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse can be used as inoculant
carriers with relative success. Storage of inoculants in these carriers is feasible at 30 ~ up to three months