Persistence of Legumes in Hill Land Pasture Following Sod Seeding

Abstract

Unimproved hill land pastures are often characterized by low production and poor forage quality. The introduction and persistence of a legume component in the sward may increase both forage quality and quantity. Persistence of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) and white clover (T. repens L.) sod‐seeded into a rotationally grazed hill land pasture was examined. Legumes were introduced by broadcasting by hand, sod‐seeding with a zip seeder, and sod‐seeding with a Power‐till seeder. The effects of paraquat (1, 1‐dimethyl 4–4′‐bipyridinium ion), lime and P on legume persistence also were examined. The pasture was mostly Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) with 5 % white clover initially. Percentage legume in the pasture followed the same trend over time irrespective of whether sod‐seeded or not, or method of sod‐seeding. There was 30 % legume in control plots the year after sod‐seeding and 15 % at the end of 4 years. Application of lime and P resulted in an increase in legume content of at least 5 % through the 4 year period. Paraquat, legume species, and sod‐seeding method had no effect on legume persistence. It is concluded that management, soil fertility and time are the most important determinants of legume persistence in hill land pastures.