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The following article explores how various legume seed varieties can reduce the reliance on traditional/synthetic Nitrogen fertiliser with an alternative resource that fixes FREE atmospheric Nitrogen into soil.
Legumes that are used in Australian pasture based systems such as lucernes and clovers play a crucial role in pasture performance and productivity. Pasture based systems are highly responsive to Nitrogen, as it is an essential nutrient to maintain high production and pasture quality.
Melissa Gooseman, DLF Seeds Product Development Manager, says, “Nitrogen fixation reduces the reliance for synthetic Nitrogen fertilisers, conserves energy, improves soil fertility and minimises the environmental impact associated with the production and use of synthetic fertiliser.”
In addition, when farmers sow a legume seed that fixes atmospheric Nitrogen into the soil, it promotes sustainable agricultural practices, reduces the reliance on/cost associated with synthetic fertilisers and improves pasture/crop diversity. Legumes also directly improve diet quality as pasture legumes have higher protein and digestibility for a longer period of the year than grass-only pastures. This helps achieve better liveweight gains and reproductive performance.
The amount of atmospheric Nitrogen that a legume can fix varies depending on several factors such as the species of legume, environmental conditions, and the presence of effective Nitrogen-fixing bacteria. On average, legumes can fix around 100-200 kilograms of atmospheric Nitrogen per hectare per year (this can vary).
Not all the Nitrogen fixed by legumes is directly available to the plants themselves. Some of the fixed Nitrogen is used by the legume for its own growth and development, while a portion is released into the soil, much of which is available to other plants in the ecosystem.
Moving further south, where areas have been inundated with rainfall and wetter than average seasons; nutrients (including Nitrogen) have been removed from the soil due to higher yields and leaching (caused by the increased rainfall). Incorporating more legumes into these systems will help improve soil conditions and increase soil Nitrogen levels for future crops in which the previous crops have mined from the soil.
Melissa recommends incorporating Stamina® GT5 grazing tolerant lucerne this season if you're looking for persistent and productive semi winter dormant lucerne. “Stamina GT5 is renowned for its resilience to hard grazings and exceptional performance in dryland environments meaning the Nitrogen fixation benefits can last for longer (7 to 10 years) compared to traditional varieties that may need to be pulled out after 3 years. Additionally, as a dual-purpose variety, it offers versatility for hay stands that may be occasionally grazed, providing flexibility in management practices.”
Tamworth NSW Farmer Wade Jordon recently experimented with the new Torrens GT8 variety, the first highly winter active lucerne with grazing tolerance.
“Torrens GT8 has been ideal for our hay operation as it’s providing us with high quality, soft leafy hay. Sown under irrigation, our yield was roughly, on average, 145 bales per hectare at a bale weight of 25kg+ (per bale). Considering this was a new lucerne stand, I’m pretty happy with the numbers, which will only improve with each cut as the stand matures” explains Wade.
If a 7 to 10 year stand isn’t needed but Nitrogen fixation is, Melissa suggests “sowing a perennial chicory clover blend such as Rocket Fuel™ for the Nitrogen fixation benefits clover offer.”
On average, in high rainfall zones, a proprietary white clover may grow around 4000kgDM/ha/year which is equivalent to 80kg N/ha/year of free Nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere. Assuming the cost of Urea at around $650/t, a unit of N costing approximately $1.41/kg, 80kgN/ha fixed by a white clover is worth approximately $113/ha/year to the farmer.
“Rocket Fuel is carefully designed to fit various environmental conditions, making it suitable for multiple geographical locations. It has an impressive animal performance package, ensuring optimal results for livestock. The proprietary white and red clover combination contributes Nitrogen to the chicory over time and improves soil health,” says Melissa.
DLF Seeds proprietary seed legume varieties, such as the Stamina® lucerne range and Titan lucerne ranges, along with clovers are an excellent option for farmers looking to fix free atmospheric N into their soil and reduce their reliance on fertilisers.
“Ultimately, legumes are an attractive option for grazing systems as they are a cost effective and sustainable source of Nitrogen,” Melissa concludes.
For more information on DLF Seeds varieties, including our range of legumes, visit dlfseeds.com.au.
