View Poster Application

STRIP SEEDING VS. SOLID SEEDING OF WHITE CLOVER IN TALL FESCUE PASTURES

Applied Research

Daniel Griffin
CEA-STAFF CHAIR
University of Arkansas
CLINTON

Abstract

\r\n    Planting white clover over 100% of the pasture should result in an even distribution of clover over the field, but the typical result is establishment of non-uniform stands of clover over less than 25% of the field. The objective of this study was to compare two strategies for establishing clover into dormant grass sod (1x seeding rate over the entire pasture vs. 4x seeding rate on 25% of the pasture). In February 2008, white clover was no-till planted in a fescue pasture in Van Buren County, Arkansas using these two planting strategies. Experimental pastures were divided by electric fence and rotationally grazed through 2008 and 2009. Clover establishment was assessed at monthly intervals in 2008 and 2009 by counting the number of 5”x5” squares containing clover of a 5x5 grid frame. Twenty-six percent of the field was covered with clover in the strip-seeded treatment, but the solid-seeded treatment had covered 97% of the field by October 2008. In this field and this year, solid-seeding gave more total clover by the end of the year. Continued monitoring of the project in 2009, showed that the strip-seeded area had 59% coverage of clover by the fall of 2009. Results indicate the clover was spreading into the unplanted areas between the strips. Strip-seeding clover at higher than recommended rates reduces time needed for seeding, increases percent stand of clover where planted, and requires less precision for calibration with imprecise planting equipment.

\r\n

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: D.J. Griffin*, J Boyd, S. Gadberry, J. Jennings, M. Mobley, K. Simon
  1. Griffin*, D. CEA-Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72031
  2. Boyd, J. Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72204
  3. Gadberry, S. Assoc Prof-Ruminant Nutrition, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72204
  4. Jennings, J. Professor-Forage, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72204
  5. Mobley, M. CEA-Interim Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72543
  6. Simon, K. Program Associate-Forages, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72204