Red clover is a short-lived perennial legume grown for
hay, silage, pasture and green manure crop. Red clover is better adapted than
alfalfa to soils that are somewhat poorly drained and slight acidic; however,
greatest production occurs on well-drained soils with high water-holding
capacity and pH above 6.0. Red clover is not as productive as alfalfa in the
summer. Red clover is one of the easiest legumes to establish using no-till
interseeding or frost-seeding techniques. Most of the improved varieties are
medium types and have good levels of disease resistance to northern and southern
anthracnose and powdery mildew. These and other diseases can reduce stands
quickly.
Summary of 2002 Red Clover Performance
Red clover yields were lower than alfalfa yields at South
Charleston in 2002. Significant stand loss was observed in all varieties over
the season, as demonstrated by the dramatic change in stand density ratings from
April to September (Table 13). Essentially complete stand loss was observed in
some varieties. This trial will be harvested in 2003 if the remaining stands
persist through the winter
| Variety | Marketer |
|---|---|
| ZR9906R | Americas Alfalfa |
| ZR9908R | Americas Alfalfa |
| Royal Red | Land O’ Lakes |
| RC9803G | Land O’ Lakes |
| Solid Red | Caudill Seed Warehouse |
| NARN | CISCO Seed Co. |
| StarFire | Ampac Seed Co. |
| Impact | Speciality Seed Co. |
| CW5049 | Cal/West Seeds |
| BESKY | DLF Trifolium |
| Amos | DLF Trifolium |
| Dollna | DLF Trifolium |
| Vesna | DLF Trifolium |