On-farm prediction of red clover yields.

Abstract

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) grown at Taihape, New Zealand, was analysed to validate coefficients to predict biomass yield. The mean annual production of red clover over three years was 12,830±472 kg DM/ha/year, with the maximum mean growth rate of 112±7.21 kg DM/ha/day (spring). In non-limiting soil moisture conditions, red clover grew 7.44±0.31 kg DM/ha/°Cd up until the 11th of January and then at 2.67±0.47 kg
DM/ha/°Cd. This pattern of production confirms previously results that show a reduction in growth rate for the mid-January-July period. This probably reflects increased partitioning of assimilate to red clover roots in response to a decreasing photoperiod. These coefficients are easily transferable to estimate red clover yield under non-limiting conditions for other locations. These could be integrated into feed budgeting software to assist on-farm decision-making. For years with a significant period of water deficit, a soil water budget is required coupled with the temperature-based coefficients to estimate yield and the potential loss of yield from summer dry conditions.