BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL (LOTUS CORNICULATUS) AS A POTENTIAL DRYLAND HERBAGE LEGUME IN NEW ZEALAND

Abstract

Observations in trials over a decade are now showing that birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) has the particular characteristics of high persistency and continued production under moderate soil fertility conditions on drier hill and high country sites. Hence it may have a role in the agriculture of such areas, probably as late summer or autumn feed. The species is seen as a 'poorer land grazing lucerne' rather than as a hay species as it is overseas. One particular disadvantage is likely to be its slow establishment from seed. In evaluations of introductions and overseas cultivars, some of the unselected introductions, showing early spring growth and an upright habit, performed better than cultivars. Keywords: Birdsfoot trefoil; Lotus corniculatus; infertile hill country; lucerne