Fifty years of white clover research in New Zealand

Abstract

The importance of white clover in New Zealand pastoral agriculture cannot be overstated. It is the major source of nitrogen and by its presence improves pasture quality and balances seasonal growth of grass species. Because of its importance a considerable effort has been put into research on white clover over the past 50 years in New Zealand. This assay reviews the major advances made in white clover use and research from an historical perspective and summarises current understanding and possible future developments. Keywords: white clover, review, history, soil fertility, N cycling, N fixation, nutrition. growth, population structure, management, performance, breeding, pests and diseases, quality.