Kenya Clover
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Pasture type and use | Perennial pasture legume with main growth in spring/summer and autumn. Grazing. |
Area of adaptation | North Coast |
Min. average annual rainfall | 1000 mm |
Advantages |
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Disadvantages |
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Soil requirements | Well-drained soils of medium to high fertility. High tolerance to acid soils. |
Varieties | Safari. (Seed scarce or unobtainable in commercial quantities.) |
Sowing rate | 2–4 kg/ha |
Sowing time | Autumn |
Companion species | Compatible with any tropical grass that can tolerate heavy grazing, e.g. kikuyu, paspalum, rhodes grass. |
Inoculation | Group K. Inoculation is essential. |
Major nutrient deficiencies | Phosphorus, sulfur, molybdenum, potassium. |
Main insect pests | Amnemus weevil, whitefringed weevil, slugs. |
Main diseases | Rugose leaf curl (in newly sown pastures). |
Management | Light grazing in first year to allow flowering and seed-set to build soil seed reserves. Once established, heavy grazing in summer to prevent a grass overburden and to keep stolons close to the ground. Undergrazing reduces persistence. |
Livestock disorders of particular note | Bloat in cattle. |
Additional tips |
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Further information | Agfact P2.5.18 Safari kenya white clover. |
Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.
Photo: Warren McDonald, Former Technical Specialist (Pastures), NSW Agriculture, Tamworth