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    Berseem Clover

    Species: Berseem Clover
    Scientific Name: Trifolium alexandrinum
    Cultivars:Bigbee
    Growth Habit:2-3 feet tall, erect growth. Very similar to arrowleaf clover, watermark not as prevalent
    Life Cycle:Annual
    Origin:Mediterranean Region
    Production Season:March to June
    Nutritive Value:Varies depending on maturity (leaf:stem ratio) Usually medium to high crude protein; medium to high digestibility. Low bloat potential.
    Use:Grazing, pasture

    Adaptation

    Soil:Loam, clay loam, good tolerance to poor drainage, river bottoms
    pH:6.5-8.0
    Rainfall:Tolerates temporary flooding (4-5 days).
    Temperature:Lacks cold tolerance

    Management

    Planting Date:October 1 to November 15
    Planting Depth:1/4 to 1/2 inch
    Seeding Rate:
  • 15 to 20 lb/acre
  • Inoculate seed with rhizobium bacteria type 'R', Clover group
  • Seed Cost:
  • Bigbee ($2.1/lb, $32 to 42/acre)
  • Fertilization:For fertilization info click this link
    Production:3000-5000 lb/acre

    Notes

  • Low percentage of hard seed (poor reseeder due to hard seed percentage of ~10%).
  • Excellent seeding vigor.
  • Early forage production.
  • Used as a green manure crop in mid-west.
  • Graze at height of 8-10 inches and stop grazing when at 3-5 inches; rest period: 10-20 days.
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