Journal of NACAA

Seed Coating Effects on Establishment of Red and White Clover in Tall Fescue Pastures Under Uniform Seeding Rates

ISSN 2158-9429

Volume 18, Issue 2 - December 2025

Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward

Abstract

This study evaluated effects of seed coating on the establishment of white (Trifolium repens L.), and red clover (Trifolium pratenese L.), interseeded in tall fescue (Schedonorus  arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumor) pastures at two northwestern Georgia locations during 2025. Plots were seeded with coated and uncoated seed at recommended bulk seeding rate. Establishment success was assessed in June using visual species composition estimated using frequency grid counts. Across all sites, no differences in seedling establishment were observed between coated and uncoated treatments for either species. Findings indicate that current bulk seeding rate recommendations are adequate for red and white clover regardless of seed coating.

Abbreviations: UGA-University of Georgia, ANOVA-Analysis of Variance, P-Phosphorus, K-Potassium, Ca-Calcium, Mg-Magnesium, in.-inches, m-meters

Keywords: seed coating, bulk seeding rate, frequency grid method, establishment success, visual species composition

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