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It
is common knowledge forage legumes are desirable plants to have in
pastures. Biological nitrogen fixation and improved forage quality, as
compared to grasses alone, resulting in improved animal performance are
two benefits legumes almost always provide. Increased forage yield and an
extended grazing season are additional benefits in many situations. These
are powerful incentives for using legumes because they can have a
significant impact on profitability.
Any
of several soil-related factors can affect the presence or persistence of
legumes in pastures. Most legumes require a soil pH of 6.0 or higher in
order to make optimum growth. In addition, they generally require higher
levels of phosphorus and potassium than grasses (of course, a soil test
report will provide recommendations for any lime, phosphorus and potassium
needed). Application of two to three pounds of boron is likely to be
recommended if seed production by clover is desired.
Other
factors can also limit legume stands. Anyone who plants legume seed needs
to pay attention to date of planting, seeding depth, amount of seed to be
planted and planting technique. Legume seed should normally be inoculated
with the proper type of bacteria before planting. In some cases it may be
necessary to control crickets at planting time in sod plantings and
grazing management preventing excessive grass competition can be important
in preventing shading or favoring getting reseeded stands.
All
of these points are valid and should receive attention by anyone who
seriously wants to have legumes in his or her pastures, but, amazingly,
one obvious factor severely limits legume presence in many pastures is
rarely mentioned. Before I reveal this factor, I want to call your
attention to an interesting phenomenon. In spring when legumes are
blooming, volunteer stands are easily visible along roadsides in many
parts of Alabama. These may include crimson clover, hop clover, ball
clover, arrowleaf clover, red clover, white clover, black medic and vetch.
Amazingly, the legumes often can be seen growing right up to a pasture
fence, but not inside the pasture!
What
makes the difference between a roadside where legumes volunteer readily
and an adjacent pasture where they are not present? At first it doesn’t
seem to make any sense. After all, roadside rights-of-way are not limed or
fertilized, there is no cricket control, there are |
