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- Suited to silage production because of a more erect growth habit
- Potential nitrogen fixation for red clover up to 200kg N/ha
- Has a long taproot to draw nutrients and water from deep in soil
- Low levels of structural carbohydrate in the leaf result in higher intakes, better feed conversion and therefore improved animal performance versus grass-only swards
Key benefits of including clover
Clover offers environmental and sustainability benefits as well as a highly productive, protein-rich forage for livestock.
In recent years, the price of farming inputs have fluctuated drastically. Clover blends sold separately mean that clovers can be added or re-added into new or established pastures, allowing for more flexible chemical control options in grass-only swards. The inclusion of a high clover ley can provide a range of benefits including reducing the requirement for purchased nitrogen, and increasing the quality of homegrown feed.
White clover is more grazing tolerant and thrives mid-season, improving overall digestibility and protein levels of the sward. Red clovers are best suited to silage or growing youngstock.
Clovers fix nitrogen in the soil, help to maintain soil moisture, suppress certain weeds, create stable organic compounds that nourish surrounding plants and enhance the levels of minerals including calcium, magnesium, cobalt and selenium in the sward. Many clover species thrive in a variety of soils and climates and can withstand winter conditions. Some grow quickly, making them an ideal catch crop. Pollinators and other insects benefit from a clover ley, supplying food, water and shelter as well as nourishing earthworms - important stewards of soil health.
Key benefits
- Higher quality pasture under low fertiliser use
- Improves digestibility
- Fix up to 200kg N/ha/year
- White clover offers a mid-season high protein sward
- Improves grass health and resilience against disease
- Increased intakes resulting in higher milk yields and daily liveweight gain
- Reduce bought in nitrogen and leave residual nitrogen for a subsequent crop
- Improved soil health
- Promotes pollinators and insects
Expert advice
- Some red clover varieites are high in phytoestrogen and all breeding sheep should be kept off for six weeks either side of tupping. Store lambs can be fattened very effectively on red clover silage aftermaths.
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Store lambs can be fattened very effectively on red clover silage aftermaths
- Always maintain a soil pH of at least 6.0 and P & K indices of 2 for optimal clover content and health.