| Scientific name: | Trifolium pratense L |
| Cultivars: | Many. Look for resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew |
| Origin: | Africa, Asia, Europe |
| Growth Habit: | Upright, semi-upright |
| Life Cycle: | Biennial, Perennial |
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| Use |
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| Production: | Hay, pasture, silage, cover crop 40 to 60 days to harvest
For results from UW Extension variety trials click this link
WI variety trial results |
| Nutritive Value: | High protein and digestibility |
| Herbaria Image: | Click this link |
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| Identification |
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| Seed Head: | Globose (capitate), pink-purple flowers |
| Seed: | Mitten shape, <1/2", tan-brown High seedling vigor 5 to 7 days to germination
Inoculate with adequate N-fixing bacteria type (if seed is not coated or pre-inoculated). |
| Shoot: | 18-30", hollow, pubescent |
| Leaf: | Trifoliate, pubescent, white chevron watermark |
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| Adaptation |
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| Soil: | Loamy, well-drained |
| pH: | 6 to 7. Adapted to slightly acid soil (5.5) |
| Moisture: | Well-drained soils |
| Temperature: | Cool-season |
| Other: | |
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| Establishment - Management |
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| Seeding rate: | 12-15lbs/acre broadcast, 6-8lbs/acre drilled |
| Seed cost: | $3.5/lb; $40 to 55/acre |
| Planting date: | Spring or late summer |
| Planting depth: | 1/4-1/2" |
| Frost seeding: | Works 50 to 70% of the time |
| Fertilization: | Apply P and K by soil test. |
| Grazing: | Graze at 1/4 to 1/2 bloom at first grazing, then 1/4 bloom.
Graze to 2" stubble. |
| Hay: | First cutting at 1/4 to 1/2 bloom, then 1/4 bloom for the rest. Leave 2" stubble after harvest. |
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| Notes |
Can cause bloat
Weed suppressor
Rapid regrowth |
