Lucerne (Medicago sativa) is a deep-rooted perennial legume with high drought tolerance, ensuring nitrogen fixation and soil health. It is perfect for regenerative systems.
- Deep taproot system: Draws water and nutrients from lower soil horizons, enhancing drought tolerance and tapping into reserves beyond the reach of annual crops
- Nitrogen fixation: Deposits 25 kgs of nitrogen per tonne of above-ground biomass per year, which reduces the demand for synthetic fertilisers.
- High efficiency in yields: Yields up to 40% more dry matter than standard grass–clover blends in drylands; approximately 12.9 t DM/ha versus 6.6 t DM/ha (8-year NZ trial)
Australian Field Data & Regenerative Gains
Field trials across different regions in Australia demonstrate how lucerne improves soil health, livestock output, and economic performance under regenerative farming systems.
Increasing Soil Carbon
- In Upper Southeast South Australia, a 12-year lucerne paddock, under rotational grazing, contained 1.25% SOC in 0–10 cm and 1.32% in 10–30 cm compared to native scrub’s 0.83% and 0.45%, respectively.
- This shows Lucerne’s ability to sequester more soil carbon than even indigenous vegetation, with rotations and fertilisation building soil fertility.
Improving Livestock Productivity
- Sheep grazing on lucerne in Victoria are yielding lamb growth of ~300 g/day, containing 22–27% crude protein and energy of 11 MJ/kg DM.
- Strategic grazing of lucerne during breeding has been reported to improve lamb marking rates by 19%, enhancing productivity and revenue.
Economic Benefit through Flexibility
A NSW EverGraze trial at Wagga Wagga compared 40% vs 20% lucerne systems:
- During wet years, 40%-lucerne paddocks produced 168 kg/ha more lambs.
- Gross margins increased by AU $264/ha in productive years. The costs of feed were lower in times of drought.
Crop Rotation & Soil Water Dynamics
- Lucerne in crop rotations (NSW, 2011) minimised nitrate leaching from the soil and added nitrogen to the soil (up to 114 kg/ha). Root mineralisation added 150–179 kg N/ha for subsequent crops.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
- Lucerne has saponins that can mitigate methane emissions from ruminants over grasses. Although variable, this conveys climate value in addition to productivity.
Integrating Lucerne in Regenerative Systems
To gain full value from lucerne in a regenerative context, it must be properly established and carefully managed across its productive lifespan.
Stand Establishment & Persistence
- Optimal on well-drained alkaline to neutral soils (pH ≥ 5.5) and rainfall areas of 250–800 mm.
- Persistence (7–10 years) is management-dependent—rotate grazing and resting periods to enable root reserve accumulation.
Grazing Strategy
- Practice rotational grazing enabling crown regrowth before subsequent grazing to conserve long-term health.
- Strategic timing concerning breeding can improve fertility and lambing percentages.
Environmental Stewardship
- Deep roots reduce nitrate leaching, which is useful when close to waterways or dairying areas.
- Salinity control, acid soil remediation, and water-use efficiency are other environmental advantages.
Key Figures at a Glance
The following data points summarise lucerne’s key agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits in regenerative systems.
| Benefit | Data and Impact |
| Soil Carbon | SOC ~1.3% vs 0.45% in scrub (0–30 cm) |
| Dry Matter Yield | 12.9 t DM/ha vs 6.6 t (ryegrass/clover) |
| Lamb Growth Rate | ~300 g/day on lucerne grazing |
| Increased Productivity | +168 kg lamb/ha at 40% lucerne |
| Financial Benefit | +AU $264/ha in good years at 40% lucerne |
| Soil N Contribution | 150–179 kg N/ha supply via root mineralisation |
| Methane Reduction | Presence of saponins linked to lower CH₄ emissions |
Conclusion
Lucerne excels in Australian regenerative agriculture because it:
- Improves soil organic carbon more than native vegetation
- Provides high returns and livestock production even in dry areas,
- Minimises fertilizer application, nitrate loss, and perhaps livestock methane release,
- Offers economic benefits, particularly in adaptable, robust systems.
When carefully managed along with proper paddocks, planned grazing, and monitored soil, lucerne creates healthier, more productive farming businesses with good environmental credentials.
If you require more information on how lucernecan be useful in your farm, contact us at KG2 Australia today!
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