N-fixing legume
Hedge lucerne, provided it is inoculated with adequate rhizobium strains, is a good N-fixing legume. In places where it is not native (Australia), hedge lucerne should be inoculated before sowing (Brandon et al., 1998).
Erosion control
Used in alley cropping, hedge lucerne helps controlling soil erosion on steep slopes in the Philippines (US Forest Service, 2010).
Other services
Hedge lucerne is an efficient nursery-stage host for highly priced sandalwood (Ecocrop, 2010).
Weed potential
Because of it vigorous growth, hedge lucerne may become a minor weed in disturbed areas (Cook et al., 2005) and a serious weed in sugar cane fields (US Forest Service, 2010).