Subterranean clover as a winter forage crop in a subtropical environment

Abstract

The feasibility of using subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) rather than oats (Avena spp.) or annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) as a low cost winter forage crop was studied over three years at Taree (lat 32¦S) on the subtropical east coast of Australia. When sown in early autumn, with sufficient moisture, subterranean clover yields during the winter were equal to oats liberally supplied with nitrogen, though initial yields from oats were greater over the first two months from sowing. Subterranean clover and ryegrass yields were similar during winter when sown in early autumn. In a dry year, the best results were obtained from sowing subterranean clover in mid autumn. Late autumn or early winter sowings of subterranean clover were unsatisfactory. It was concluded that sowing subterranean clover at high rates (30 kg ha-1) in early autumn provides a suitable low cost, alternative, winter forage crop.