General Description
Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino, also known as Korean clover or stipa, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is an annual or short-lived perennial that is widely grown as a forage crop and soil improver in many parts of the world. The plant has a highly branched and prostrate growth habit, with stems that can grow up to 50 cm in length. Its leaves are small, oval-shaped, and have stipules at the base of each leaf blade.
Origin and Distribution
Kummerowia stipulacea is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China. It has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, and Australia, where it is widely grown as a forage crop and cover crop. The plant can grow in a range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5-8.
Common Names
Kummerowia stipulacea is commonly known as Korean clover, stipa, stipulate clover, five-leaf clover, square clover, and arrowleaf clover.
Uses
Kummerowia stipulacea has many uses in agriculture and horticulture. It is an excellent forage crop for livestock, providing high-quality nutrition for cattle, sheep, and goats. The plant is also used as a cover crop to improve soil health and fertility. It can fix atmospheric nitrogen and enhance soil organic matter, promoting better nutrient uptake by crops grown after it. Korean clover is also used in landscaping and erosion control due to its low-growing, spreading habit and ability to stabilize soil on slopes and embankments.
Growth Conditions for Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino
Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino, commonly known as Korean lespedeza, is a warm-season perennial legume that is widely used as a grazing and forage crop in various regions of the world. Growing this plant successfully requires understanding its specific growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Kummerowia stipulacea requires full sun exposure for healthy growth and proper development. Therefore, it should be planted in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to be stunted, leading to low yields.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained, fertile soils that are neutral to slightly acidic. The ideal pH range for optimum growth is between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should contain a high level of organic matter and should be free from any residual herbicides that may adversely affect plant growth.
Temperature Requirements
Kummerowia stipulacea is best adapted to warm climatic conditions and requires a minimum temperature above 10°C to grow successfully. Optimum growth temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate free frost, but the growth will be limited if exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods.
Water Requirements
The plant has moderate water requirements and can tolerate periods of drought. However, it is best grown in areas with annual rainfall of 500 mm to 900 mm for optimum growth. Adequate irrigation should be done during dry spells to sustain its productivity.
Fertilization Requirements
Kummerowia stipulacea requires regular fertilization to promote robust growth. Adequate nitrogen improves the forage quality and yield of the plant. Phosphorous and potassium are also essential nutrients that play a significant role in the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Kummerowia stipulacea, also known as Korean clover, grows best in fertile and well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. It is recommended to plant Korean clover at the beginning of the rainy season to ensure proper establishment. It can be grown as a cover crop or as a forage crop, and it can be sown by broadcasting or drilling.
Watering Needs
Korean clover requires regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after sowing. Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged can help the plant establish its roots properly. After establishment, this plant can tolerate moderate drought, but it is best to water it regularly to ensure healthy growth and good production.
Fertilization
Korean clover can benefit from applications of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. It is recommended to apply fertilizers based on a soil test analysis to avoid over-fertilization. Splitting the fertilizer applications throughout the growing season can help improve its efficiency and prevent nutrient leaching.
Pruning
Korean clover does not require pruning, but it can benefit from mowing or grazing. Mowing can help maintain the height of the plants and promote branching, while grazing can help control weeds and improve the quality of the forage. It is recommended to maintain a height of 10-15 cm for this plant to promote optimum growth and productivity.
Propagation of Kummerowia stipulacea
Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino, also known as Korean clover or stipa, is a leguminous plant that is commonly grown for forage and green manure. Propagation of K. stipulacea can be done through seeds, vegetative cuttings or divisions.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common and easiest method of propagating K. stipulacea. They can be sown directly in the field or in seedling trays. The seeds need to be scarified, either by cutting the seed coat or boiling water treatment, to overcome dormancy. After scarification, the seeds can be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in a well-drained soil and kept moist. The seeds germinate in 7-14 days, depending on the soil temperature and moisture.
Propagation by Vegetative Cuttings
K. stipulacea can be propagated by stem cuttings which is faster than seed propagation. The stem cuttings are taken from healthy plants with at least two nodes and a length of 15-20 cm. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings are then inserted in a rooting medium and kept in a moist and warm environment. Rooting occurs in 14-21 days, after which the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to a field or containers.
Propagation by Division
The clumps of K. stipulacea can be divided into smaller sections and replanted during the dormant season. The clumps should be carefully dug up, and the roots should be separated without damaging them. The smaller clumps should contain enough roots and shoots and can be immediately replanted in the same field. The divided clumps need to be regularly watered to ensure their survival.
Disease Management
Kummerowia stipulacea is generally a healthy plant with few disease problems. However, it is susceptible to certain fungal diseases, including powdery mildew and gray mold.
Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be controlled by applying fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Good cultural practices, such as pruning infected plant parts and ensuring adequate air circulation, can also help prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Gray mold, also known as botrytis blight, appears as a fuzzy gray mold on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It thrives in moist conditions and can be controlled by improving air circulation, reducing humidity, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil can also be effective in managing gray mold.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect Kummerowia stipulacea, including aphids and spider mites.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and can cause distortion and stunting of the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can also help control aphid populations.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be controlled by spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap, or introducing predatory mites or insects that feed on spider mites.
