Persian clover

Persian clover
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NOTE: The information in this Agnote must be read in conjunction with Introduction to selecting and using pastures in NSW, which covers information on areas of adaptation, sources of variability, species mixtures, and important issues related to animal health and the conservation of native vegetation.

Two distinct types of Persian clovers are available:

hard-seeded types
Trifolium resupinatum var. resupinatum
soft-seeded types (called ‘shaftal clover’ in some areas)
Trifolium resupinatum var. majus

Pasture type and use	Hard-seeded type: Self-regenerating pasture legume for use in short-term and long-term pasture mixes. Soft-seeded type: Annual fodder/forage and legume break crop. A component of high-density legume crops (HDL crops).
Area of adaptation	Medium–high rainfall (winter-dominant) and irrigated areas. Soft-seeded types more suited to higher rainfall and irrigation situations than hard-seeded types.
Min. average annual rainfall	450 mm (southern NSW) to 650 mm (northern NSW)
Advantages	Waterlogging tolerance. Highly palatable and digestible feed. High forage yield with good regrowth potential after cutting or grazing. Nitrogen benefits for following crops. Hard-seeded varieties allow long-term persistence. Extends pasture growth further into late spring when seasonal conditions permit.
Disadvantages	Soft-seeded varieties require annual resowing. Less early winter growth than sub clover.
Soil requirements	Most soil types; best suited to clay soils. Not suited to acid sandy soils (suited to pH(Ca) 5–8).
Varieties	Select varieties on the basis of required use pattern (pasture vs high-density legume crop), maturity, hard-seed levels, seasonal production and disease resistance (Phytophthora root rot, rust, and clover scorch). 1. Trifolium resupinatum var. resupinatum Self-regenerating; prostrate to semi-prostrate types; suitable for short-term to long-term pastures. Early to mid season, moderate hard-seed levels: Persian Prolific - tolerates clover scorch and Phytophthora root rot. Early to mid season, high hard-seed levels: Nitro Plus * - resistant to clover scorch and Phytophthora root rot. Mid season, high hard-seed levels: Kyambro * - tolerates leaf rust, stem rust and clover scorch. * Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights. 2. Trifolium resupinatum var. majus Annual semi-erect to erect types, suitable for forage/fodder crops. Mid season, no hard seed: Lightning * - tolerates clover scorch; susceptible to leaf rust. Late season, low hard-seed levels: Maral Morbulk - resistant to clover scorch. Laser * - tolerates leaf/stem rust, clover scorch and Phytophthora root rot. * Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.
Sowing rates:
-as only species	4–8 kg/ha; use higher rates with irrigation.
-in mixtures	1–8 kg/ha; use lower rates (e.g. 1–3 kg/ha) with hard-seeded type.
Sowing time	Irrigated: February to May. Dryland: April to mid May.
Companion species	With hard-seeded types: lucerne, sub clover, arrowleaf clover, and perennial and annual temperate grasses. With soft-seeded types: other forage legumes, including berseem, arrowleaf and balansa clovers, and short-term ryegrasses and oats.
Inoculation	Group O
Major nutrient deficiencies	Phosphorus, sulfur
Main insect pests	Redlegged earth mite, lucerne flea.
Main diseases	Rust, clover scorch, Phytophthora root rot.
Management	Grazing winter to spring and/or make hay/silage in spring. Graze plant residues of hard-seeded type in late summer to promote better seedling regeneration.
Livestock disorders of particular note	Photosensitisation sometimes; bloat in cattle; urinary calculi (clover stones) incidence may increase in sheep; red gut in sheep occasionally.
Additional tips	Persian is sensitive to some herbicides commonly used on legumes (consult your agronomist).
Further information	Agfact P2.5.22 Persian clover. Condon K. (2000). Forage Legumes - Profitable break crops for dryland cropping rotations, NSW Agriculture.

Acknowledgments

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.