Performance of overdrilled red clover with different sowing rates and initial grazing managements

Abstract

Abstract ‘Grasslands Pawera’ red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) was drilled into existing rye-grass-dominant pasture in autumn using a prototype drill with a winged coulter and paraquat band spray. Sixteen different seed rate and early grazing management combinations were examined in an attempt to improve red clover performance. Red clover failed to give a clear increase in total productivity, although differences in red clover production were up to 15 kg DM/ha per day. About 80% of sown seed was lost in the first month after drilling. Treatments produced differences in red clover production by affecting both plant density and plant size. Grazing to 20 mm at 3-weekly intervals over winter and early spring resulted in greater survival and size than less intensive or frequent grazing, and allowed seed rate to influence seedling density. The poorly defined grazing recommendations available for overdrilling are discussed. As a result of plant weight and density responses the conclusion is drawn that scope exists for improving present overdrilling techniques.