Introducing Clover To Your Swards

Date: 8^th February 2022

Farming is an essential source to our food supply and one of the biggest sources of employment in Ireland. As a nation, we need to consider a more holistic approach to farming to prevent any more damage to the environment. ‘Sustainable farming’ is a word that is commonly used in the agricultural industry in recent years. As the name suggests, it describes more environmentally friendly ways to farm. We can all do our part in becoming more aware of the effects of farming and consider alternative ways to farm in an efficient & sustainable manner.

At this time of year, farmers are preparing to fertilise the land for the grazing season ahead. However as we know overuse of fertiliser can be damaging to the environment. Plants need nitrogen from the soil in order to grow. This can be produced naturally or by applying organic & artificial fertiliser. The price of chemical fertiliser has tripled in price in some cases over the past 6 months, so any alternative will be very much welcomed by farmers around the country.

The use of white clover offers many benefits to farmers and can be used to replace/reduce the dependence on nitrogen fertiliser. Clover is an excellent feed source for cattle and sheep. Clover is a legume – this means it has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air which the grass needs to grow, meaning you need less chemical Nitrogen. So not only are you helping the environment, you are saving money and you will grow grass & harvest silage more efficiently.

According to Teagasc, white clover is receptive of grazing and can grow in most climatic conditions. You can grow white clover in swards by reseeding or by over sowing the sward. Agriland have some good tips on grazing management for white clover swards.

Red Clover is a fantastic addition to any silage sward and provides a high DMD, high protein and highly palatable forage source. Red Clover adds bulk to the sward and can be used to finish beef cattle over the winter – replacing or reducing the need for highly priced concentrates in many cases. Red Clover however requires careful cutting and grazing management throughout the season. It should be cut regularly and cut at a height of 4-6 inches – so not to kill the plant. It can be grazed once in Autumn but should be mainly looked at in a multi-cut silage production system. Red Clover is also not as persistent as White Clover and will need to be reseeded or over-sown every 4-5 years ideally.

Advantages of Clover

• Clover can fix approximately 120 kg of Nitrogen per hectare per year.
• It improves animal performance compared to an all-grass sward.
• Clover contains higher protein and mineral content in comparison to grass.
• It grows well in mid-season when grass growth is slow.

Genfitt’s Top Tips

Although clover has many benefits for the environment and the farmer’s pocket, it is worth noting that livestock are prone to bloat as a result of clover. It is recommended to introduce livestock to a high clover sward gradually. They should be allocated an amount so as not to over-consume during first grazing. Before considering introducing white clover into your grassland & silage swards, we also recommend that farmers check the soil fertility, ensure there’s contact between the soil and the seed to allow for germination, remove any weeds in the area, and research all clover varieties to find the one best suited to your needs.