Berseem Clover
Benefits of Berseem Clover as a Cover Crop:
- Nitrogen Fixation: As with many legumes, Berseem clover can fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, which can reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in the subsequent crops.
- Soil Health and Structure: Its deep taproot can break up compacted soil layers, improving soil structure and increasing water infiltration rates.
- Weed Suppression: Its rapid growth and dense canopy can help smother and suppress weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps hold the soil in place, thereby minimizing soil erosion.
- Forage: It produces high-quality forage which is palatable and nutritious for livestock.
- Disease Suppression: Berseem clover can help in breaking disease cycles, especially soil- borne diseases that affect crops like cereals.
Planting and Management Advice:
Planting Time: Best sown in early spring or late summer. Ensure that the risk of frost has passed in spring and that there's enough growing season left in the fall to allow establishment before winter.
Seeding Rate: Typical seeding rate is 15-30 lbs/acre (16-34 kg/ha) when planted alone and 8-15 lbs/acre (9-17 kg/ha) when mixed with other species.
Soil Requirements: Berseem clover prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It is moderately tolerant to saline conditions.
Moisture: It requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment. It is not as drought-tolerant as some other clovers, but it can tolerate temporary flooding.
Inoculation: For optimal nitrogen fixation, it's recommended to inoculate the seeds with rhizobium bacteria specific to clover.
Termination: If not grazed, Berseem clover can be terminated using conventional tillage methods, mowing, or with herbicides. It's essential to terminate before seed set if you want to prevent it from becoming a weed in subsequent crops.
Rotational Considerations: Avoid planting Berseem clover consecutively in the same field to minimize disease build-up. Following it with cereals or grass crops can take advantage of the fixed nitrogen.