Investment
Investment
Improving the understanding and the effectiveness of N fixation in pulses in Australia
Legume crops play a key role in Australian farming systems, providing on average 30kg N/ha extra for subsequent crops (ranging from 7 to 60 Kg N/ha). A review on rhizobia research by GRDC in Australia (Herridge 2021) estimated that about 80% of pulse crops in Australia are inoculated and the additional fixed N meant a $45 M net benefit for growers in the 2017/18 season, including the cost of inoculation. Recent GRDC investment resulted in new rhizobia strains (Group E/F) which promise a potential benefit of $41.6 M.
The intent of this investment is to continue the national effort to increase the effectiveness of N fixation in pulses in Australia. Current research has shown that there is scope for further improvement, with results indicating that some of the pulses are not meeting their maximum potential for N fixation. To capitalise on the opportunity for improved pulse yield through increased N fixation, further strain selection and research are critical. The expected project outcome is by 2027, with the Australian growers achieving and/or exceeding the N fixation frontier with access to superior Group N (chickpea) and I (mungbean) rhizobia strains and the adoption of improved management practices for pulse inoculation. The combination of new strains and agronomic management could furthermore boost N fixation in another 1 Mha of cultivated land. This will provide additional economic benefits like those achieved by the inoculant for Groups E /F.
- Project start date:
- 01/12/2023
- Project end date:
- 30/04/2028
- Crop type:
-
- Barley, (Cereal)
- Oats, (Cereal)
- Wheat, (Cereal)
- All Pulses, (Legume)
- Canola/Rapeseed, (Oilseed)
- Organisation
- The University of Adelaide
- Region:
- North, South, West
- Project status
- Active
GRDC News
National initiative to enhance N fixation in...
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The National Nitrogen Fixation Project will develop superior nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia) strains for chickpea and...
New boost for legumes in acid soils
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Two new, high-performing, commercial rhizobia inoculants have been commercialised after eight years of collaborative research...
Update papers
- 1707138000000, New acid tolerant rhizobium strains for inoculant groups E and F
- 1701176400000, Nitrogen cycling and management decision making in Central Queensland farming systems – N availability and recovery across the farming system – N impacts on productivity – implications for management in CQ