Red Clover

Red clover is the most widely grown clover due to its easy establishment and high production. It is believed that red clover initiated in Asia. Red clover in Germany made its way to England and from there was introduced into the United States.

Red clover is adapted to soils that alfalfa might not survive in. It can grow in soils with poorer internal drainage and lower fertility levels. As a result it is a better fit for many farms. It is more productive than lespedeza, with the potential to produce 3 or more tons per acre depending on the site. It works well as a hay crop or in pastures.

Establishment can be done in a variety of ways. Frost seeding in cool season grasses or cereals (like wheat, rye or oats) is a commonly used method that takes advantage of cracks and holes formed during freezing and thawing in February. Another method is to no-till drill seed in pastures or hay fields in late winter. When establishing red clover in an existing grass stand it is important to provide sunlight to the new plants by clipping or grazing before seeding and after plants emerge. When establishing in a cereal grain, clipping and removing the straw will help get sunlight to clover plants and improve survival. Recommended seeding rate for red clover is 8 lbs./acre.

Certified seed is always preferred over common seed, but much of the seed sowed is common. If you plan to buy common seed try to buy seed that was grown locally to prevent getting seed that is not adapted to this area. Consider having the seed tested for germination and weed content.

Red clover is high in magnesium and as a result can help prevent grass tetany in the spring. Rotational grazing will help keep stands going. Resting the stand in September and October will help the plant store root reserves so that the plant can bounce back quicker in the spring.

Many farmers use the regrowth after the first hay cutting in the second year for seed production. Seed is ready for harvest when the interior of the seed head is brown, the stems show a yellowish tinge and the seeds show color ranging from yellow through purple.

As a legume red clover fixes its own nitrogen. With at least 30% red clover in the stand you can eliminate nitrogen inputs and usually maintain similar yields. The yield will usually be spread over a longer growing season which is beneficial for grazing. Work reported by Jim Gerrish at the Forage Systems Research Center at Linneus suggests that a 30% red clover stand can provide fall stockpiled tall fescue for lower cost than applying 40-60 lbs of nitrogen per acre in early August. The total stockpiled production is lower, but cost per pound of forage is less.

Frost seeding rates are 8 lbs. pure live seed per acre. Remember to use an inoculant if red clover has not been in the field in a few years.


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	Matt Herring - Agronomy/Natural Resources Ken Bolte - Farm Management/Livestock Franklin County University Extension Center Last revised: 11/28/05	Go to Franklin County University Extension Center page