Investment

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.