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Published updated: March 2026
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.
A spokesperson from the DLF Seeds Tech Services team says, “Nitrogen fixing legumes reduce reliance on synthetic Nitrogen fertilisers as they enhance soil Nitrogen levels over time, improve soil fertility and minimise the environmental impact associated with the production and use of synthetic fertiliser.”
Compared to sole pastures, pasture legume mixes also directly improve livestock diet quality, offering higher protein levels and better digestibility for longer periods of the year, ultimately supporting improved 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.
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.
With urea prices sitting close to $1000/t and remaining quite volatile (March 2026), visiting what legumes can contribute to a system can be quite valuable. In a high rainfall environment, a well performing proprietary white clover can typically produce around 4,000 kg DM/ha/year. This is fixing approximately 80 kg N/ha/year from the atmosphere.
"If we put a fertiliser value on top of that, and use a more conservative long term urea price of around $650/t ($1.41/kg N), that equates to around $110–115/ha/year worth of Nitrogen being supplied by the clover. At today’s fertiliser prices, the contribution from white clover is now worth between $175 - $225/ha/year, reinforcing its role as a reliable and cost effective source of nitrogen in pasture systems, particularly in seasons where fertiliser pricing and supply remain uncertain".
DLF Seeds 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, DLF Seeds suggests “sowing a perennial chicory clover blend such as Rocket Fuel™ for the Nitrogen fixation benefits clover offer.”
“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,” adds DLF Seeds.
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,” DLF Seeds concludes.
For more information on DLF Seeds varieties, including our range of legumes, get in touch with you local DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist whose details can be found here.
