Productivity of Crimson and Arrowleaf Clovers Grown in a Coastal Bermudagrass Sod1

Abstract

AbstractA split‐plot field experiment compared annual seeding and self‐reseeding of crimson and arrowleaf clovers in a Coastal bermudagrass sod. Clover species did not differ significantly for seedling counts. Earlier growth was produced by self‐reseeding stands. However, stands from both methods of seeding were good and growth was relatively uniform in all plots. Differences in total production were not significant for method of seeding. Crimson clover averaged 33% more forage than arrowleaf. The lower yields of arrowleaf were caused by poor recovery and regrowth under drought stress.Grass following clover produced 18% more forage than grass receiving 224 kg/ha N without clover. Total grass yields following crimson and arrowleaf clovers were not significantly different. However, the first grass harvest following arrowleaf was always reduced. This was caused by greater competition from arrowleaf clover than from the earlier maturing crimson clovers.Total forage production was 47% higher from the sequence of clover‐Coastal bermudagrass than from grass — 224 kg/ha N — no clover. Highest total forage was produced by crimson clover‐bermudagrass. Crimson clover contributed 22% to total yield compared to 17% for arrowleaf. This study suggests the utilization of winter annual clovers to partially supply the nitrogen requirement of summer growing grasses. In addition to a reduction in the mineral nitrate requirement, other benefits would be an extended grazing season, increased total forage production, increased forage quality, and better utilization of land resources.