Interseeding Kura Clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil into Existing Cool‐Season Grass Pastures

Abstract

Legumes in cool‐season grass pastures can improve productivity and quality. In May of 1997 and 1998, a split‐split plot field experiment with six replications was planted in Morris, MN to evaluate the effect of sod suppression, planting method, and legume species on establishment of legumes into existing cool‐season grass pastures and to evaluate kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) as potential species for interseeding in the North Central region. Whole‐plot sod suppression treatments were (i) 0.62 kg a.i. ha−1 glyphosate [isopropylamine of N‐(phosphono‐methyl) glycine] or (ii) no glyphosate. Subplot planting methods were (i) no‐till drilling, (ii) broadcasting seed on the soil, (iii) broadcasting seed followed by harrowing, and (iv) broadcasting seed followed by a light disking. Legume species sub‐subplots were (i) alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), (ii) red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), (iii) kura clover, and (iv) birdsfoot trefoil. Stand data were collected in the fall of the planting year and in the spring of the second growing season. Averaged across planting methods and species, legume stands were 38% where glyphosate was used and 3% where it was not. No differences or interactions were detected for planting method (P > 0.12). In this study, if competing vegetation was suppressed, stands were >31% regardless of planting method. When sod was suppressed, alfalfa established better stands than the other legume species. The overriding factor in the ability to establish legumes in this study was the suppression of existing vegetation during establishment.

Establishing Legumes in a Tall Fescue Sward

“…Seedling density of birdsfoot trefoil and white clover seemed unaffected by pest protection or tall fescue suppression. In contrast, Cuomo et al [12] found that suppression by glyphosate of cool-season grasses enabled much greater success in obtaining legume stands that included alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, red clover, and kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.).…”

“…Approaches to improving legume establishment in tall fescue are numerous and include no-till drilling of legumes into tall fescue pasture [11]; controlling grass competition with herbicides [12], mowing, or grazing [13]; limiting N fertilization [14]; and planting pastures with different row orientations [15]. Although considerable research has been conducted on legume establishment, little progress has been made to address many of the problems, such as disease, insect damage, heat and/or water stress, and poor seedling vigor [2].…”

Agro–ecological Aspects of the Weed Infestation Control in Birdsfoot Trefoil Grown for Forage

“…The requirements for ecological conformity of herbicide application necessitate searching for herbicides having significantly good selectivity and a high effect on the weeds in the contemporary ecological conditions [CUOMO, 2001;NIKOLOVA, 2003] .…”

Emergence and seedling growth of five forage legume species at various burial depth and two light levels

“…Whether pure sown or in mixture with grasses, competition for light from weeds and grasses will probably limit the establishment of legumes in pastures (Lanini et al, 1991;Simmons et al, 1995). It has been reported that legume inter-seeding was most successful when competition from grasses is reduced through herbicide application (Groya and Sheaffer, 1981;Cuomo et al, 2001) or by cutting swards to low heights before seeding legumes (Taylor and Allinson, 1983). The observation of growth and morphological plasticity of legume seedlings under different light conditions is necessary for the management before seeding.…”