Spotlight on Species
White clover (Chapter 18 pg 227-236)
(Trifolium repens)
Background
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Growth habit
Has stolons that creep along the soil surface. Each node is capable of producing roots and potential new plants - so it has tremendous potential for spread through pasture.
Two main types are:
Dutch types - small leaves, very hardy,
low growth habit, low growth potential,
Ladino - high production potential, high
P & K requirement
Advantages of white clover
1) 'free' N
2) high protein
3) high nutritional value (highly digestible)
4) growth complements grass (more active in summer than spring)
5) reduces risk
6) adds to crop rotations
7) reduces animal toxicities
8) environmentally acceptable
9) more interesting and attractive pastures
10) increased profit
Disadvantages
1) bloat
2) higher P requirement than grasses
3) less competitive than grass
4) tends to have more insect problems
5) overall lower yield potential than grass
6) shallow rooted and not drought resistant
Common varieties
old varieties: Will
new varieties: Jumbo, Kopu, Alice
Establishment
very small seed: 0.7 g / 1000 seed, but rapid emergence - often the first species to emerge
sowing rate 1-5 lb/ac in mixtures (usually 2-3 lb/ac) (pure plantings are not recommended)
can be spring (April), ideally sown with a Brillioun seeder, but can be no-till planted, fall planting is not recommended, can be successfully frost seeded in February.
rhizobia coating is usually not required, unless there is no history of white clover on the area (e.g. following clearing of forest)
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