An on-farm evaluation of white and subterranean clovers in North Island hill country

Abstract

Five white clover and 5 subterranean clover cultivars were evaluated under 'on-farm' conditions at 21 North Island sites over 5 years. Seedlings were established in the field and their content in the sward followed by point analysis. Grasslands Huia, Grasslands Tahora and Whatawhata Early Flowering established most rapidly. Overall, white clover was not altered by the introduction of any cultivar into existing pastures. White clover content of the sward appear to be determined by factors other than genetic potential, such as other species present, current management practices, and climate. All subterranean clover cultivars established populations, though Tallarook was the most successful. At most sites Tallarook regenerated the best, followed by Mt Barker. The contribution to legume density made by any other subterranean clover cultivar was minimal Keywords white clover, subterranean clover, hill country, point analysis