Overview
Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC. is a member of the Fabaceae family and native to Europe and Asia. It is a small perennial plant and a sub-variety of Lotus corniculatus.
Common Names
The plant commonly known as cornfield birdsfoot trefoil, bird's foot deervetch, bird's foot trefoil, eggs and bacon, or common birds-foot-trefoil.
Appearance
The plant grows to a height of between 15 and 60 cm. It has a smooth or slightly hairy stem, and its leaves are alternate and compound, with five to eight leaflets. The plant's flowers are clustered at the end of an elongated stem, and they are usually yellow or sometimes reddish-yellow. The plant's fruit is a small pod-like structure that contains several seeds.
Uses
The plant has several uses, including being used as a forage crop for livestock and a food source for some wild animals. It also has several medicinal uses, including being used as a digestive aid and for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Additionally, the plant is used in some traditional herbal remedies.
Light requirements:
Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC. thrives in areas with ample sunlight. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A lack of sunlight may result in poor growth and reduced yield.
Temperature needs:
The plant can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -25°C to 40°C. However, the ideal temperature for growth and development is between 20°C and 25°C. High temperatures may cause the plants to become dormant or wilt, whereas frost may lead to the death of the plant. Frost tolerance varies with cultivars.
Soil requirements:
Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC. favours well-drained and moderately fertile soils. The soils should be loose with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Poorly drained soils, with inadequate water flow, can lead to root rot and nutrient deficiencies. The soil should also contain sufficient amounts of phosphorus and potassium for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC., commonly known as Birdsfoot trefoil, is a hardy perennial herb that is commonly used for forage and as an ornamental plant. It is a very versatile plant that can be grown in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay soils, but it thrives best in well-drained soils that have a pH of 6.0-7.5. It also requires an annual rainfall of between 20-30 inches to grow optimally.
The plant can be propagated either through seeds or vegetative cuttings. The optimal time to plant the seeds is in the fall, after the soil has been thoroughly prepared. Vegetative cuttings can be planted in the spring or summer months when the soil is warm and moist. The planting depth should be around ¼ inch, and the spacing should be around 6-12 inches for the seeds and 12-24 inches for the cuttings.
Watering Needs
Birdsfoot trefoil needs regular watering to grow well, especially during the establishment phase. The plant has a deep root system that can penetrate the soil up to 6 feet, which allows it to access deep water sources. However, it is recommended to water the plant during dry spells to ensure that it receives enough moisture to sustain growth.
The amount of water required depends on the soil type, temperature, and level of humidity. In general, the plant requires 1-2 inches of water every week. It is essential to avoid overwatering or allowing water to remain stagnant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Birdsfoot trefoil has low to moderate fertility needs and does not require frequent fertilization. However, applying fertilizer can increase the yield and quality of the forage produced. Before planting, it is recommended to assess the soil's nutrient content to determine the appropriate fertilizer application rate.
The best time to apply fertilizer is during the growing season, usually in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 16-16-16 can be applied at a rate of 50-100 lbs per acre. Over-applying fertilizer can result in excessive vegetative growth and reduced seed production.
Pruning
Pruning of the Birdsfoot trefoil is not necessary, but it can help to improve the quality of the forage produced. If the plant becomes too tall, around 18 inches, it can be cut back to improve its vegetative growth and encourage branching. Pruning can also help to remove any diseased or damaged branches and promote the growth of new healthy ones.
The best time to prune is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing, as it will recover faster from the pruning. It is essential to use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to avoid causing any damage to the plant.
Propagation Methods of Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC.
Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC., commonly known as common bird's-foot-trefoil or just bird's foot trefoil, is a perennial flowering plant native to many parts of Europe. It can grow up to 30 cm tall and is commonly used in landscaping and gardening as an ornamental plant.
Propagation of Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis can be done through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground in spring or autumn. It is best to scarify the seeds before sowing to break their hard seed coat. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible for Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis, but it is less common. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in early summer and rooted in a well-draining soil mix. Rooting hormone may be used to improve rooting success. The new plants can be transplanted into the ground after they have established roots.
Division Propagation
Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis can also be propagated through division. This is best done in early spring or autumn when the plant is dormant. The plant can be dug up and divided into smaller clumps, each with its own shoots and roots. The new clumps can be transplanted into the ground or potted and grown until ready for transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC.
Lotus corniculatus L. var. arvensis (Schkuhr) Ser. ex DC., also known as common bird's-foot-trefoil, is a perennial herb found in temperate regions. While it is a hardy plant, it can still be affected by certain diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects common bird's-foot-trefoil is powdery mildew. It appears as white powdery spots on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove all infected plant material and increase air circulation around the plant.
Another disease that can affect the plant is crown rot, which is caused by a fungus that attacks the base of the plant. To manage crown rot, remove infected plants and avoid planting in poorly drained soil.
Common Pests
The common bird's-foot-trefoil is also susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites. These pests can damage the leaves, reducing the plant's ability to produce food. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the meadow spittlebug. These bugs create a frothy white substance on the plant, which can harm growth. To manage the meadow spittlebug, remove the affected plant material and introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
In conclusion, managing the diseases and pests that affect common bird's-foot-trefoil involves regular monitoring of the plant and prompt action when issues are detected. By taking proactive steps to manage disease and pest issues, growers can ensure their plants remain healthy and productive.
