White clover

Introduction

• Is a perennial, prostrate legume with stolons initially radiating from buds in the axils of a rosette of leaves.
• Leaves are trifoliate with oval leaflets.
• Is first legume pasture species introduced in Nepal.

Production and Management

• Is a productive and persistent legume.
• Supplies nitrogen for grass growth via its nitrogen fixation, produces high quality feed, and provides useful seasonal production.
• Sown at the rate of 2-3 kg/ha in combination with any pasture grass.
• Excessive use of N fertilizer (>100 kg N/ha/year) will result in a decline in the percentage of white clover in the pasture.
• Contains high levels of crude protein and high ratio of soluble to structural carbohydrate with higher concentration of calcium and phosphorous.

Environment

• Stops growing as approx. 8-9 ⁰C and reaches max. growth rate at 25⁰
• Winter growth is relatively low; drought greatly affects growth.
• Requires more than 600-700 mm rainfall and an altitude of 1000-3800 masl.
• Can’t thrive drought weather conditions.
• Tolerant to acid soils ( pH >5.3) but not alkaline or saline soils.
• Requires higher soil phosphate level for maximum production.
• In Nepal, NPK has been used as 45:15:30 Kg/ha depending on the soil fertility status.

Animal health

• Can cause bloat in cattle.
• Bloat is usually controlled by drenching with bloat oil, but must be careful for timely treatment.