Clover

Crimson clover is a fast growing annual that provides early spring nitrogen, up to 200 lbs at 50% bloom. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent weed suppressor and an emergency forage supply that doesn’t cause bloat. In the south, crimson clover is fall planted with other cover crops for weed suppression, erosion control and quality spring forage. It can be spring seeded in the northern areas for weed control and nitrogen production. If planted in the spring or summer, it will bloom the same year and will not over-winter.

Management

Crimson clover thrives in cool, moist conditions. It works well on any soil with the exception of heavy, wet clays. Inoculate for best N production. It is usually mixed with annual ryegrass, vetch, radishes, and small grains like oats. Nitrogen production requires an adequate supply of P & K. Crimson clover can be killed by spraying or incorporation. At bloom stage, it can also be killed by mowing, or rolling with a stalk chopper.

Establishment

For fall planting, drill at 15-18 lbs/A, 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, or broadcast at 22-30 lbs/A. If broadcast, roll into a firm seedbed. Use 10-15 lbs/A in mixes. For spring planting, seed as soon as all danger of frost is past. Don’t plant too early in the fall if you want it to over-winter. If crimson clover goes to seed in the fall, it will not regrow in the spring.

Description

White ladino clovers are a long-lived perennial which spread by creeping above ground stems or stolons that root at the nodes. It is a large leaf type white clover, very high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Addition of white clover to pastures will increase daily dry matter intake in livestock. White clover is a good producer of high quality feed and is utilized extensively as a soil building crop.  A good mixture of grass and white clover can yield as much as a pure grass receiving 175 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per acre.

Establishment

White clover will thrive on soils with a pH is 5.5 or higher. White clover needs adequate phosphorus and potassium for establishment, persistence and growth. White clover is especially responsive to cool, moist conditions. It grows best between 50 and 85 degrees. Because of its shallow root system, it is not adapted to shallow, droughty soils. Ladinos can be broadcasted, frost seeded, or drilled into soil. Seed depth should not exceed 0.25 inches.

Management

White Ladino is primarily a pasture type clover.  White clover planted with perennial grasses should be grazed or mowed frequently (2 or 3 times per summer) with the final mowing in late August. Fertilizer should be applied through out the year. To manage the bloat risk associated with White clovers manage your pasture swards with no more than 10% stand of clover. Do not over-graze the grasses below 4 inches for this increases the clover concentration.