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Determining wet soil tolerance of 4 clover species

Applied Research

Jennifer Caraway
Miller County Extension Agent
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension
Texarkana

Abstract

Many low-lying pastures in Arkansas are frequently waterlogged in late winter and early spring making it difficult to maintain good stands of different forages including legumes. This trial looked at the wet soil tolerance of four different clover species. The goal was to determine if any would be a suitable option for those low-lying pastures that tend to stay wet through the late winter and early spring months leaving fewer forage options. Planting was done on October 8th of 2020 utilizing Arrowleaf (Blackhawk), Balansa (Fixation), Crimson (Dixie), and White (Durana) clovers. The clover species chosen were clovers that were readily accessible in the state. The trial was replicated four times and planted using a no-till planting method. Results conducted during this study on very wet soil, showed that Balansa clover had excellent growth and stand density, but stands of Crimson and Arrowleaf clovers were thin and poor. Balansa had a canopy height of 20” on April 20th compared to a canopy height of only 7” for the Durana white clover. Maturity of Balansa appears to be between that of Crimson clover (very early) and that of Arrowleaf clover (very late). April to early May appears to be the period of highest productivity for Balansa. There was minimum forage growth in fall and winter, however, as day length increased, and temperature warmed upright forage growth was promoted with Arrowleaf and Crimson annual clovers.

 

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.

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Authors: Jennifer Caraway, John Jennings, Kenny Simon
  1. Caraway, J. CEA - Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, 71854
  2. Jennings, J. Professor & Forage Specialist, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, 72207
  3. Simon, K. Program Associate – Forages- Animal Science, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, 72207