Don’t Forget The Red Clover

 KNOXVILLE, TENN.
   This is the time of the year we need to get ready to seed clovers in pastures and hayfields. When most people think about clovers, white clover is usually what comes to mind. Don’t forget to include red clover in the seeding mix. There are advantages to using red clover.
   1. Improved yield. Red clover will generally yield more than white clover. It has a more upright growth habit and is better able to compete with tall fescue and orchardgrass.
   2. More summer production. Red clover will grow longer into the summer than white clover. It initially has a taproot, which allows the plant to get more subsoil moisture. It is better able to grow during limited rainfall conditions than is white clover. Expect red clover to grow until late June or early July.
   Several varieties are available. “Cinnamon Plus” is a standard variety that has been around for several years. “Renegade” is another variety that many people have not heard of, but has yielded well in UT variety trials. To see the full list of red clover varieties in our tests, go to http://forages.tennessee.edu and click on “variety trials and research.”
   To get the best stand of clover, leave the stubble height at 2 inches or less. Plant 2 lbs. of white clover and 4 lbs. of red clover per acre the last two weeks of February. You can broadcast or drill the seed. If you drill, the seed should be placed NO MORE than 1/4 inch deep. Be sure to calibrate the seeder you are using so you do not put out too much seed per acre.
   If you have sprayed 2,4-D or some other broadleaf herbicide within the last few weeks, you may need to delay seeding the clover due to herbicide residual. Contact your local Extension office for more information about planting clover into these situations.
   Clover will improve the quality of the forage produced, as well as replace some of the nitrogen that we need to apply as fertilizer. It is a key part of any good forage program. Red and white clover are two of the best plants that you can have in your tall fescue pastures and hayfields. Δ
DR. GARY BATES: Extension Forage Specialist, University of Tennessee