Strategies to maximise establishment and production of oversown caucasian clover

Abstract

Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) is an alternative legume for areas where white clover (T. repens L.) growth is limited. However, slow establishment has been a problem when caucasian clover has been oversown. Results from two tussock grassland sites have demonstrated the importance of the initial establishment of caucasian clover. Caucasian clover dry matter production after 6 years was still related to original seedling establishment. This result was obtained in ungrazed swards, conditions likely to maximise the ability of caucasian clover to spread by rhizomes and natural reseeding. The results indicate that caucasian clover may make little contribution to legume yield in these environments for at least 6 years unless satisfactory numbers of plants are established initially. Maintenance fertiliser application, in early years at least, appears similar to that required by white clover. Yields of caucasian clover swards in the 6th year when maintenance fertiliser had been applied were 3-7 times those when fertiliser had been applied only at sowing. The paper also provides possible explanations for establishment failures that have already occurred, and provides information on correct management techniques to maximise establishment of oversown caucasian clover. Keywords: caucasian clover, establishment, fertiliser, hill country, inoculation, nodulation, oversowing, pasture, Trifolium ambiguum