Annual clovers are almost always used as the legume component in hay/silage and grazing mixes. Annual clovers produce large volumes of feed through the winter/spring and early summer and are suited to many different soil types. Annual clovers offer excellent value for money as they are sown at low rates and establish readily from seed, to produce large volumes of highly palatable forage. With fertiliser prices set to remain at a premium, annual clover crops can fix valuable nitrogen in your soil profile at low costs and provide a break in the cropping rotations.
| Variety | Sowing Rate | Seed Type | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BALANSA | |||
| Cobra | 1 – 5 | Hard | Regenerates well, can tolerate strong grazing pressure from sheep, reliable seed yields, 2 to 3 weeks earlier than Paradana. |
| Paradana | 1 – 5 | Hard | Very aggressive spring growth, tolerates waterlogging and high pH soil types. Broadcast in 2nd year if sown with phalaris, fescue or cocksfoot. |
| Viper | 1 – 5 | Hard | 2 weeks later then Paradana. Good early vigor with reliable regeneration. Outstanding spring production and ideal for hay. |
| PERSIAN CLOVER | |||
| Shaftal | 5 – 8 | Soft | Late flowering variety. Good winter/spring production, will regrow strongly if moisture permits. Suits hay/silage. |
| SARDI | 5 – 8 | Hard | Preferred option for waterlogged and high pH soils where mild salinity is an option. Early flowering variety suited to grazing pasture. |
| Kyambro | 5 – 8 | Hard | Thrives in high pH and waterlogged conditions. Tolerates saline conditions. Excellent perennial pasture option. |
| SUNDRY CLOVERS | |||
| Crimson | 3 – 5 | Soft | Highly nutritious hay/silage option. Very drought tolerant. Strong winter production. Suited to free draining sandy loams. |
| Berseem | 5 – 8 | Soft | Referred to as annual lucerne. Suited to heavier soils and will not cause bloat in stock. Erect growing and offers reliable spring production. Excellent hay option on heavy soils. |
| Arrowleaf | 2 – 5 | Hard | Deep rooted, late maturing with very high hard seed levels therefore tends to be unreliable in regeneration. Suited to acid to neutral soils that are free draining. |
| Arrowleaf Arrotas | 2 – 5 | Hard | Ultra late maturing. Will extend feed window well into summer if moisture permits. Has potential in higher rainfall areas. |
| Palestine Strawberry | 1 – 4 | Hard | Great spring, summer and autumn production, prostrate in growth, suitable for all soil types. Can withstand long and harsh grazing once established, persistent. Suits 700ml rainfall areas. |