What To Know
- Planting a clover cover crop is an effective method to improve soil fertility, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects.
- The first step in planting a clover cover crop is selecting the appropriate clover species for your specific needs and growing conditions.
- It is a fast-growing clover that provides quick soil cover and is ideal for winter cover cropping.
Clover, a versatile and beneficial legume, has long been recognized for its ability to enhance soil health and benefit subsequent crops. Planting a clover cover crop is an effective method to improve soil fertility, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to plant clover cover crop and reap its numerous advantages.
Selecting the Right Clover Species
The first step in planting a clover cover crop is selecting the appropriate clover species for your specific needs and growing conditions. Different clover species have varying characteristics, such as growth habit, maturity date, and nitrogen-fixing ability.
- White clover (Trifolium repens): A perennial clover with a low-growing, spreading habit. It is known for its high nitrogen-fixing capacity and tolerance to various soil types.
- Red clover (Trifolium pratense): A biennial clover with an upright growth habit. It has a higher biomass production than white clover and is suitable for soil improvement and forage.
- Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum): An annual clover with a tall, upright growth habit. It is a fast-growing clover that provides quick soil cover and is ideal for winter cover cropping.
- Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum): A perennial clover with a medium-tall growth habit. It is tolerant to wet and acidic soils and can be used for soil improvement and forage.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting clover cover crop, it is essential to prepare the soil to ensure optimal growth and establishment.
- Soil pH: Clover prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If necessary, amend the soil with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it.
- Soil drainage: Clover requires well-drained soil. If the soil is compacted or has poor drainage, consider incorporating organic matter or installing drainage tiles.
- Fertility: Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can obtain nitrogen from the atmosphere. However, it still requires adequate levels of phosphorus and potassium. Conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient requirements of your soil and apply appropriate fertilizers.
Planting Clover Cover Crop
Once the soil is prepared, it is time to plant the clover cover crop.
- Planting time: Clover can be planted in spring or fall. In cooler climates, fall planting is preferred to allow for establishment before winter.
- Planting method: Broadcast the clover seed evenly over the prepared soil. Use a seed rate of 15-25 pounds per acre for white clover, 10-15 pounds per acre for red clover, and 20-30 pounds per acre for crimson clover.
- Inoculation: Clover requires nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Inoculate the clover seed with a commercial inoculant before planting to ensure proper nodulation and nitrogen fixation.
- Covering: Lightly rake or roll the soil to cover the clover seed. This will help ensure good seed-to-soil contact and prevent the seed from drying out.
Management of Clover Cover Crop
After planting, managing the clover cover crop is crucial to maximize its benefits.
- Mowing: Mow the clover cover crop periodically to control its height and prevent it from going to seed. This will promote a dense, vigorous stand and prevent the clover from becoming invasive.
- Fertilization: Clover does not typically require additional nitrogen fertilization. However, if the clover is showing signs of nutrient deficiency, apply a balanced fertilizer.
- Weed control: Weeds can compete with clover for nutrients and water. Control weeds through regular mowing, hand-pulling, or applying herbicides if necessary.
Benefits of Clover Cover Crop
Incorporating clover cover crop into your crop rotation offers numerous benefits:
- Soil improvement: Clover’s deep roots help break up compacted soil and improve drainage. Its nitrogen-fixing ability adds nitrogen to the soil, enhancing fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Weed suppression: The dense growth of clover cover crop suppresses weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and saving time and resources.
- Beneficial insects: Clover flowers attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination and pest control.
- Erosion control: Clover’s dense root system helps hold soil in place, preventing erosion and protecting water quality.
- Forage: Clover cover crop can also serve as a valuable forage for livestock, providing high-quality feed and reducing the need for imported hay.
Termination of Clover Cover Crop
Clover cover crop can be terminated when it is no longer desired or when it is time to plant the next crop.
- Mechanical termination: Clover cover crop can be terminated by mowing, tilling, or using a roller-crimper.
- Chemical termination: Herbicides can be used to terminate clover cover crop. However, it is important to follow the herbicide label instructions carefully and allow sufficient time for the herbicide to break down before planting the next crop.
Maximizing the Benefits of Clover Cover Crop
To fully harness the benefits of clover cover crop, consider the following tips:
- Rotate clover with other cover crops: Incorporating different cover crops into your rotation can improve soil health and prevent disease buildup.
- Allow clover to mature: Let clover grow and mature before terminating it. This will allow the clover to fix maximum nitrogen and produce a substantial amount of biomass.
- Use clover as a green manure: Incorporate clover cover crop into the soil as a green manure to add organic matter and improve soil fertility.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What is the best time to plant clover cover crop?
A: Clover can be planted in spring or fall. Fall planting is preferred in cooler climates to allow for establishment before winter.
Q: How much clover seed should I use?
A: The recommended seed rate varies depending on the clover species. For white clover, use 15-25 pounds per acre; for red clover, use 10-15 pounds per acre; and for crimson clover, use 20-30 pounds per acre.
Q: Do I need to inoculate clover seed?
A: Yes, it is recommended to inoculate clover seed with a commercial inoculant before planting to ensure proper nodulation and nitrogen fixation.
