Comparative productivity of some cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) in north-eastern Victoria

Abstract

Eight cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)-Yarloop, Burnley, Bacchus Marsh, Nangeela, Clare, Portugal, Chiltern Valley, and Mt. Barker-were compared in mowing experiments at the Rutherglen Research Station in north-eastern Victoria. All eight had similar total annual yields of dry matter, but all except Chiltern Valley outyielded Mt. Barker (the common district cultivar) in most winters. Yarloop, Burnley, and Bacchus Marsh grew best in winter. Of these, Burnley has most promise, being apparently more persistent than Bacchus Marsh, and having lower oestrogenic potency than Yarloop. There was no difference in greasy wool production from wethers run at five to the acre on Mt. Barker or Bacchus Marsh pastures, despite higher pasture production on the latter. Hay was cut in two seasons ; after feeding equal amounts to each group of sheep, there was a surplus of 20 cwt an acre in favour of the Bacchus Marsh pasture. Clover seed production, winter pasture growth, and sheep liveweights also favoured Bacchus Marsh.