Rose clover
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Pasture type and use | Annual winter/spring growing legume. Suited to grazing - especially cattle. Useful as a pioneer plant in reclamation work. Tolerates mildly acid soil. |
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Area of adaptation | Central West Slopes, North West Slopes, Central West Plains. |
Min. average annual rainfall | 400 mm (southern NSW) to 650 mm (northern NSW). |
Advantages |
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Disadvantages |
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Soil requirements | Widely adapted, including mildly acid red gradational and duplex soils, light granitic and sedimentary derived soils. |
Varieties | Hykon |
Sowing rate - in mixtures | 0.5–1.0 kg/ha in a 4–5 kg/ha mix. |
Sowing time | Autumn |
Companion species | Sub clover, barrel medic, lucerne, perennial grasses depending on district and soil type. |
Inoculation | Group C |
Major nutrient deficiencies | Phosphorus, sulfur, molybdenum. |
Main insect pests | No major problems encountered. |
Main diseases | No major problems encountered. |
Management | Avoid heavy grazing in spring if soil seed reserves are low. Spelling following germination will enhance density. |
Livestock disorders of particular note | The ingestion of old flower heads may be associated with fibre ball (phytobezoar) development in the abomasum of cattle, and with wool contamination in sheep. Bloat in cattle; urinary calculi (clover stones) incidence may increase in sheep; occasionally red gut in sheep. |
Additional tips | Avoid grazing lambs on mature rose clover pastures if crutching or shearing in February/March. |
Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.
Photo: Mary-Anne Lattimore, NSW Agriculture, Yanco.