The performance of cupped, dry-headed, globe and purple clover on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Abstract

Trifolium argutum, T. cherleri, T. globosum and T. purpureum were grown in a waterlogged lateritic podsol in competition with self regenerating T. subterraneum cv. Yarloop and subjected to three defoliation treatments. T. purpureum was the most successful introduction and contributed up to 60 per cent of herbage production in the year of sowing, but only 10 per cent in the second year. Defoliation prior to flowering in the year of sowing reduced dry matter production but had only a small effect on seed yields. Regular defoliation in the second year reduced the smothering effect of Yarloop and increased the contribution of the sown species. None of the species tested was a suitable competitor for Yarloop.