As seen in Farm Weekly, 12/03/2026

Building a pasture that works hard above ground while rebuilding soil below it takes more than a single species.

It takes diversity – plants that complement one another across soil types, seasons and management systems.

Nitro Mix from Irwin Hunter & Co. is designed to naturally improve soil fertility, extend feed production and strengthen long-term pasture resilience.

Nitro Mix harnesses the power of legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria.

This natural nitrogen supply also reduces reliance on synthetic fertilisers while improving soil structure, organic matter and water-holding capacity.

The Nitro mix is inoculated and coated with BioNPK Powder S, a microbiological plant biostimulator that helps convert nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) into plant-available forms, promoting nutrient uptake, strong root development and improved plant resilience, including greater tolerance to drought stress.

The diversity within Nitro Mix is what gives it strength.

Each component plays a distinct role across soil types, rainfall zones and seasonal conditions.

Paradana Balansa Clover is a hardy, self-regenerating annual suited to medium – high rainfall zones.

It has strong tolerance to waterlogging and resistance to clover scorch.

This semi-erect, mid-maturing variety produces vigorous spring growth, high protein forage and good hay yields.

Its high hard-seed content ensures reliable regeneration year after year.

While establishment can be slower in cool conditions and it has low salt tolerance, its persistence and productivity make it a valuable contributor.

Its white-pink flowers are highly attractive to bees, supporting on-farm biodiversity.

Margurita Serradella adds depth and resilience.

A winter-dominant, hard-seeded annual legume, it thrives across autumn, winter and spring and adapts well to a wide range of soils, including acidic and infertile sands.

Its deep root system improves access to subsoil moisture, increasing drought resilience while contributing to soil structure and organic matter.

As a nitrogen-fixing legume, it improves soil fertility and nutrient cycling, particularly phosphorus and potassium availability.

It is also highly palatable, providing quality forage for cattle and sheep.

Arrowleaf Clover contributes height, late-season growth and strong biomass production.

This temperate annual legume features tall, erect growth and deep roots that access subsoil moisture, extending feed production into late spring and early summer.

Adaptable to most soil types except saline and highly alkaline soils, it is considered bloat-free and produces large white flowers that turn pink as they mature.

With a high proportion of hard seed, it can successfully self-regenerate when allowed to set seed.

Hykon Rose Clover balances the mix with a prostrate growth habit and strong adaptation to Mediterranean-type climates.

It performs well on lighter, rocky and lower fertility soils and remains highly palatable throughout the growing season.

Its striking pink flowers appear in spring, and when managed to allow seed set, it regenerates reliably, helping maintain legume content in the pasture.

Riverina Subterranean Clover strengthens early season production.

This white-seeded (Yanninicum) type is vigorous, waterlogging tolerant and well suited to acidic soils in medium to high rainfall areas (450mm+).

Known for excellent autumn and winter growth, strong resistance to root rot and high hard-seed levels, Riverina contributes valuable biomass for grazing and hay while reinforcing nitrogen fixation within the sward.

Crimson Clover completes the blend with strong autumn, winter and spring growth and good frost tolerance.

A soft-seeded, self-regenerating annual, it provides highly palatable and nutritious forage suitable for grazing, silage or hay.

Beyond feed value, crimson clover suppresses weeds, reduces erosion and improves soil structure.

Its vibrant crimson flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, boosting biodiversity.

The combination of early and later flowering aerial-seeded and subterranean clovers ensures a spread of production across the season.

Together, these legumes create a regenerative pasture system.

Their diverse root structures improve aeration, infiltration and soil aggregation while encouraging active microbial communities augmented further by the addition of BioNPK Powder S.

Above ground, livestock benefit from high-protein, energy-rich feed.

Below ground, soils rebuild fertility naturally.

Beyond grazing systems, Nitro Mix has value as a cover crop and in diverse farming enterprises.

In vineyards and orchards, legumes can protect soil between rows, reduce erosion and improve structure without competing aggressively with perennial crops.

In cropping rotations, they can help rebuild nitrogen reserves ahead of cereals or other nitrogen-demanding crops.

As a cover crop, the regenerative benefits are significant.

Dense legume stands protect the soil surface from erosion caused by wind and water.

Their root systems stabilise soil particles and improve aggregate stability.

Flowering legumes also provide habitat and food sources for beneficial insects, contributing to on-farm biodiversity and if locked up for seed set, they will regenerate in the following year.

Nitro Mix offers farmers a practical way to strengthen soil health, extend seasonal productivity and build resilient pastures.

By combining complementary legumes with biological support through BioNPK Powder S, it delivers a system that feeds soil, stock and sustainability for the long term.

Contact your local farm supplier or Irwin Hunter & Co for more information regarding the extensive range of pasture seed and mixes.