Introducing vetch into rotations in cotton-wheat systems of northern NSW has a number of benefits. This study investigated the phosphorus (P) nutrition and response of 3 vetch species grown in soil from long-term rotations at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri, NSW. Labile P increased by 36% in the surface soil of long term rotations where vetch was included in the rotation. This resulted in up to 17% more dry matter production of vetch grown in cottonwheat- vetch rotation soils in a system where legumes remained responsive to P application. Part of this response can be attributed to improved nodulation and N uptake associated with higher available P where vetch is included in the rotation. Of the three vetch varieties examined, Woolypod vetch indicated the greatest P efficiency. The study demonstrated that legume inclusion in rotation improved P status and production as well as providing labile N for following crops.