Broadcasting Seeding Rate (lbs/acre): 15 to 20
Drilled Seeding Rate (lbs/acre): 12 to 15  
Ideal Soil Conditions: tolerant of poorly drained, acidic soils; pH 6 to 7.0
Best Uses: Pasture, hay, silage, green manure, cover crop
 
 
 
Alsike Clover: Nutrient-Rich Legume for Forage, Pasture, and Soil Enhancement
 
Alsike Clover, scientifically known as Trifolium hybridum, is a versatile perennial legume prized for its ability to improve soil fertility, provide high-quality forage, and enhance biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. This cool-season legume offers numerous benefits for livestock producers, conservationists, and farmers seeking to optimize forage production and soil health.
 
Key Features of Alsike Clover:
 
1. High Nutritional Value: Alsike Clover produces nutritious forage with elevated levels of protein, energy, and essential nutrients, making it an excellent feed source for cattle, sheep, and other grazing animals. Its fine stems and leafy growth contribute to palatable and digestible forage suitable for grazing and hay production.
2. Nitrogen Fixation: Like other legumes, Alsike Clover has the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria called rhizobia. This natural process enhances soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a plant-available form, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and improving overall soil health.
3. Tolerance to Wet Soils: Alsike Clover exhibits greater tolerance to wetter soil conditions compared to other clover species, making it well-suited for poorly drained or low-lying areas prone to waterlogging. Its ability to thrive in moist environments enhances its adaptability to diverse soil types and climatic conditions.
4. Soil Improvement: Alsike Clover's extensive root system helps break up compacted soils, improve soil structure, and increase soil organic matter content. Its deep taproots enhance water infiltration, root penetration, and nutrient cycling, promoting better soil health and resilience to erosion.
5. Weed Suppression: Alsike Clover's vigorous growth and dense canopy help suppress weed growth in pastures and fields, reducing competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. This natural weed suppression benefits companion grasses and enhances overall pasture productivity and biodiversity.
6. Pollinator Habitat: Alsike Clover produces attractive pinkish-white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. Its role as a pollinator-friendly plant contributes to the conservation of beneficial insect populations and promotes ecological balance.
 
Overall, Alsike Clover stands as a valuable asset in sustainable farming systems, offering benefits for livestock nutrition, soil health, and biodiversity conservation. Whether used as a standalone crop or as part of a diverse forage mixture, Alsike Clover remains a reliable ally for promoting sustainable agriculture and land stewardship practices.