GRDC-supported research by Frances Hoyle of University of Western Australi found a range of legume renovation crops generally increased protein by between half and one per cent compared to a harvested legume crop.

“But this may not always be the case, if a grassy pasture or non-legume crop is used for renovation,” Ms Hoyle said.

“When legumes were used as renovation crops, protein in the following crop is generally improved and when non-legume crops were used, grain protein was unchanged.

“The increase in grain protein results from higher nitrogen uptake in the plant resulting from the decomposition of legume residues and can be dependent on climatic conditions.”