Nodules produced on the roots of legumes play an important role in pasture systems. Photo: Jo Powells, LLS.
South East Local Land Services will be asking land managers how well they know their nodules in upcoming workshops running this spring across South East NSW and the ACT.
The nodules being talked about are the ones produced on the roots of legumes which play an important role in pasture systems by providing high-quality feed and fixing nitrogen in the soil.
“Pasture legumes play a crucial role in a healthy and sustainable pasture, but only if they are well nodulated and if the nodules are functioning properly,” says Local Land Services Senior Agriculture Advisor, Jo Powells.
“Nodulation occurs when a specific type of bacteria in the soil called rhizobia infect the roots of a legume plant forming a small lump or nodule at the point of contact.
“The rhizobia and legume form a symbiotic relationship but soil conditions such as acidity, fertility and moisture can influence how successful the relationship is.”
The workshops later this week and into October will provide information to land managers about the role of legumes, why they are important, how legume nodules are formed, what can influence nodule health, how to assess nodules in the field and how to improve nodulation.
‘Knowing Your Nodules’ workshops are supported by Local Land Services through funding provided by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Photo: Jo Powells, LLS.
“Well nodulated legumes provide a biologically sustainable source of soil nitrogen that can be used to promote the growth of our pastures, consequently providing more feed of higher quality for our livestock,” Ms Powells says.
“We have learnt a lot over the past ten or so years about the factors that influence legume nodulation and nitrogen fixation and these workshops will focus on what land managers can do to assist with their pasture legume performance.”
The ‘Knowing Your Nodules’ workshops run from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on at the following locations:
- Milton – Thursday, September 26
- Berry – Friday, September 27
- Southern Highlands – Thursday, October 3
- Goulburn – Friday, October 4
- Bungendore – Saturday, October 12
- Braidwood – Monday, October 14
- Bega – Thursday, October 24
- Moruya – Friday, October 25
- ACT – Saturday, October 26
- Bombala – Thursday, October 31
- Cooma – Friday, November 1
Contact your nearest Local Land Services office for details and to RSVP.
‘Knowing Your Nodules’ workshops are supported by Local Land Services through funding provided by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
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