In this episode, Dr Lucy Bell discusses her PhD research into legume species that can thrive in hill and high country soils affected by high aluminium toxicity. She explains why traditional options like lucerne struggle in these environments, highlights the standout performance of species such as Lotus pedunculatus and crimson clover, and outlines what this could mean for improving nitrogen supply, forage quality and animal performance in challenging farming systems.

Guest:

• Dr Lucy Bell, recent PhD graduate and researcher, Lincoln University

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

Lucy explores how aluminium toxicity in low-pH hill and high country soils limits legume performance, and explains the biological reasons behind poor root development in species like lucerne. She outlines the trial work behind testing 13 annual and perennial legumes, the importance of plant survival and regeneration in dry, challenging environments, and why species such as crimson clover and lotus show promise for lifting nitrogen supply, early spring feed and livestock performance where few legumes currently persist.

Read the article featuring Dr Lucy Bell here.

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