White Clover – Cover Crops
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White clover is a perennial forage legume with a prostrate, stoloniferous growth habit. It is very palatable, nutritious and highly digestible. Trifoliate leaves are smooth and abundant. It has a deep primary taproot in the first season, with secondary roots taking over from season two when the primary tap root dies off. Clover is therefore not as drought tolerant as Lucerne.
Description
White clover is a perennial forage legume with a prostrate, stoloniferous growth habit. It is very palatable, nutritious and highly digestible. Trifoliate leaves are smooth and abundant. It has a deep primary taproot in the first season, with secondary roots taking over from season two when the primary tap root dies off. Clover is therefore not as drought tolerant as Lucerne.
It is seldom planted in a pure stand. Its main application is to plant in blends with grass species, thereby improving the quality of a pasture. It is mostly produced under irrigation, but requires 800 mm rainfall if produced without irrigation.
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a low-growing, perennial legume that is prized for its versatility, hardiness, and environmental benefits. Native to Europe and Central Asia, it has become widely cultivated across the globe for use in pastures, lawns, and erosion control projects. Its adaptability and lush appearance make white clover an excellent choice for sustainable landscapes.
Characteristics
White clover features trifoliate leaves and small, spherical white flowers with a hint of pink. It grows close to the ground and spreads quickly through creeping stems, forming dense mats that suppress weeds. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it beneficial for improving soil fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Benefits
It is drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and thrives in a variety of soil types, including poor and compacted soils. Its nitrogen-fixing properties make it a valuable companion plant for grasses in pastures and lawns, promoting healthy growth while reducing the reliance on chemical inputs. Additionally, white clover flowers attract pollinators, such as bees, enhancing biodiversity in the surrounding environment.
Uses
White clover is widely used as a forage crop, providing a nutritious feed for grazing animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. In lawns, it adds a soft, green texture and remains lush even in challenging conditions. White clover is also effective in preventing soil erosion, particularly on slopes and in degraded areas.
Conclusion
White clover is a versatile and sustainable plant that offers numerous benefits for agriculture and landscaping. Its ability to improve soil health, attract pollinators, and provide high-quality forage makes it an ideal choice for eco-friendly and resilient land management practices.
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