Variety Trial LinksCrimson Clover
Crimson clover is a non-winterhardy clover that produces a lot of biomass quickly and can fix up to 50 lbs/N/Acre during a single season. This summer annual clover needs to be seeded after all danger of frost has passed. It is a good fit after small grains or after vegetables. Some research has been done on seeding into standing corn at last cultivation with some moderate success.
Description:
- Crimson Clover (Trifolium Incarnatum L.) is a summer annual legume used primarily as livestock forage, as a nitrogen plowdown in crop rotations soil, or for erosion prevention.
- Approximately 150,000 seeds per pound, 60 pounds per bushel
- Primarily used in southern half of the U.S.
Management considerations:
- Prefers loam soils with good drainage. Avoid using it on poorly drained soils due to potential disease problems.
- Can tolerate pH ranging from 4.8-8.2 but does best at pH of about 6.5.
- Provides good groundcover and weed control as it fixes nitrogen and scavenges nitrogen from the soil.
- Often grown with cereal grains or annual ryegrass.
- Will regrow if grazed or mowed no lower than 3 or 4 inches before the early bud stage.
- Mixing with grass reduces its relatively low bloat risk even further.
- Can produce 1,500 lbs/acre dry matter and up to 80 lb. N/acre.
- Is moderately shade-tolerant.
Optimum Planting Dates:
- Plant in early May as soon as danger of frost is past.
- Seed germination and seedling survival require cool night temperatures (less than 60°F).
- Can be over-seeded into corn when corn is 16 to 24 inches tall.
Seeding Recommendations:
- Plant at a rate of 15-20 lbs/acre, (Crimson clover has larger seed than most clover). Use the lower rate in cool soils and the higher rate in warmer soils.
- Drill at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch. If broadcasting, use higher rate then drag or roll. Soil firmness and good seed-to-soil contact are essential.
- To ensure adequate root nodulation for nitrogen fixation, seed should be inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria (Type R).
- Be aware of chemical restrictions when following other crops.
Fertilization: (Consider a soil test and please contact your fertilizer professional for your specific needs):
- Crimson clover is adapted to low fertility soils.
- Application of phosphate and potash fertilizers may increase production if soil tests indicate deficiencies.
Weed and Disease Control: (This is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of any specific product but as a list of possible controls. Please contact your chemical professional for your specific needs and always read and follow label directions):
- In general, crimson clover is tolerant of weeds.
- Crimson clover is more resistant to diseases than are most alternative clovers
Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3rd Edition - Sustainable Agric. Research and Education