This section of the OSU Forage Information System lists many clovers for use in pastures, hay crops, and set aside areas for pollinators. It list the clover along with growing conditions and attributes. Clovers are legumes so they fix atmospheric nitrogen using rhizobia bacteria living in nodules found on the roots. The soil pH must be at least 5.5, but some prefer a higher pH of 6 - 6.5. The rhizobia will not fix N if the soil pH is too low. When clover leaves dye or are digested and eliminated by livestock, they release their N to the soils where grasses can take it up and utilize it for their growth. Additionally, the high protein content of clovers is a source of high quality nutrients that persist late into the grazing season for animals to utilize.
David Hannaway |
Feb 2021 |
Online resource
