Australian vegetable growers are set to gain access to new, practical knowledge on how legumes can reduce nitrogen costs and strengthen farming systems via Nuffield Australia scholar and vegetable extension specialist, Stephanie Tabone.

Supported by a Hort Innovation Nuffield Scholarship, Stephanie has returned from an intensive global study tour, bringing back real-world insights from leading growers, researchers and farming systems across Australia, Europe and North America.

Specifically, the trip allowed her to spend time learning directly from farms trialling innovative ways to manage nitrogen using legumes. This is knowledge she is now sharing with Australian growers.

Stephanie explained the value of the experience for industry: “The scholarship gave me the chance to learn from people who are already tackling the same challenges Australian growers face, including high input costs, pressure to improve soil health, and uncertainty around nitrogen losses.”

“I came back with a much better understanding of how legumes fit into real vegetable systems, and how growers can make practical decisions to get value from them.”

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager Production & Sustainability at Hort Innovation, said supporting Nuffield scholarships is about building long-term capability for growers. “Investing in people like Steph is an investment in the industry’s future. This scholarship has brought back practical, globally informed insights that help Australian growers make better decisions about managing nitrogen, reducing costs and building more resilient systems.”

While the project explored the science behind legumes, its strongest value lies in its practical lessons for growers. Across diverse vegetable systems, growers who managed legumes well were able to reduce fertiliser nitrogen use, while also improving soil structure and biological activity.

Stephanie’s learnings are now being translated into extension materials and conversations with Australian growers. This is helping them start small, test legumes safely, and reduce nitrogen inputs over time with confidence.

Key insights for growers include:

• Legumes can reduce fertiliser costs when managed with intent
• Timing is critical to ensure nitrogen is available when crops need it
• Cover crops often provide the most reliable benefits with lower complexity
• Nitrogen from legumes can still be lost if not captured by a following crop
• Learning, observation and gradual change reduce on farm risk.

The scholarship has also had a personal and professional impact, strengthening Stephanie’s ability to connect research with on farm decision making and support growers facing increasing complexity.

“This experience has changed how I think about nitrogen and farming systems.  It reinforced that progress does not come from perfect systems. It comes from growers testing, learning and adapting what works for their conditions,” she added.

About the scholarship and project 
Stephanie Tabone completed a Nuffield Australia Scholarship delivering the final report Optimising the use of legumes for nitrogen supply to vegetable crops. The project combines global case studies, science and grower experience to support Australian vegetable producers navigating rising input costs and sustainability pressures.

This project (VG14065) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.