Clover

Clover is the common name given to a group of approximately 300 leguminous plants in the genus Trifolium, in the family Fabaceae. Several species are cultivated specifically for fodder. The most commonly cultivated is white clover, Trifolium repens. Clover species are generally small and are usually trifoliate (leaves possess three leaflets) although some species possess five or seven leaflets. The clover plant has smooth stems and produces small red, purple, white, or yellow flowers made up up many florets. Clover species can be can be annual, biennial or short-lived perennials. White clover may live for 3–5 years, and can reach a height of 20–30 cm (8–12 inches). Clover may also be referred to as Ladino clover, Dutch clover or trefoil and it originates from Europe.


Clover is mainly cultivated to provide pasture or to protect soil. It may be harvested and used as forage, hay or silage.


Basic requirements White clover is the most widely grown clover in the world, growing best in a cool, moist, temperate climate. It can be grown on a wide range of soils but performs best in well-draining clay or loam as opposed to sandy soils. The plant will grow optimally at a soil pH of 5.5 and 7.0. Dry soils are not recommended due to the shallow root system. Clover tolerates shade, repeated mowing and field traffic very well making it well suited to use as a cover crop. Planting Clover is direct seeded either by drilling or broadcasting. When growing clover as a commercial crop, a higher yield will be obtained in warmer areas if the seed is inoculated with Rhizobacteria before planting. Inoculation is not necessary if an inoculated clover crop was grown in the same field within the past 3 years or in colder regions where nitrogen-fixing bacteria can persist in the soil. If broadcasting seed, spread 5–14 lb (2.25–6.35 kg) of seed per acre and cover. When drilling seed, 3–9 lb (1.4–4 kg) of pure seed should be planted per acre to a depth of 6–12 mm (1/4 – 1/2 in). Clover is also commonly sown into an existing grass pasture or with grass seed to establish a mixed pasture. Seeding rates into an existing grass pasture should be 2–4 lb (0.9–1.8 kg) per acre. The soil should be kept moist after seeding to promote germination. General care and maintenance If grown as a forage crop mixed with grass, management should be aimed at maintaining clover at 40 to 50% of the total cover. Grazing to a stubble height of 5 cm (2 in) favors the growth of the clover, whereas lighter grazing will favor the growth of grass. The pasture should be fertilized with nitrogen and phosphorous depending on the needs of the particular soil. When grown as a living mulch, clover should be mowed as required and killed off when no longer needed. Clover can be killed by rototilling, undercutting or moldboard plowing. White clover can be persistent and it is necessary to kill off the root system to effectively kill the plants.


Clark, Andy (ed.). 2007. Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3rd ed. Sustainable Agriculture Network, Beltsville, MD. Available at: http://www.mccc.msu.edu/documents/managingccprof/ManagingCoverCropsProfitably_whiteclover.pdf. [Accessed 12 November 14]. Free to access. Hall, M. H. (1993). White Clover. Agronomy Facts 22. Penn State University Cooperative Extension. Available at: http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uc084.pdf. [Accessed 12 November 14]. Free to access. USDA (2002). White Clover. Trifolium repens L. Plant Fact Sheet. United States Department of Agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available at: http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_trre3.pdf. [Accessed 12 November 14]. Free to access. Smith, J. & Valenzuela, H. (2002). White Clover. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Monoa Cooperative Extension Service. Available at: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/CoverCrops/whiteclover.pdf. [Accessed 12 November 14]. Free to access.