The issue:
Legume species vary in their requirements for phosphorus. For example, legumes such as serradella have substantially lower phosphorus fertiliser requirements than sub-clover or lucerne.
The impact:
Phosphorus-efficient species could out-perform traditional legume species on low-phosphorus soils and provide a lower-cost pasture solution.
The opportunity:
It could be feasible to develop pasture systems that require approximately 30% less phosphorus fertiliser annually.