Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum - Overview
Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum, commonly known as subterranean clover, is a species of clover in the family Fabaceae. It is an annual plant that is native to the Mediterranean region.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as subterranean clover due to its habit of growing underground, or burr clover because of the burrs that it produces.
Uses
Subterranean clover is widely used as a forage crop for livestock, as it is highly nutritious and palatable. It is also used as a cover crop, as it fixes nitrogen in the soil and helps prevent erosion. The burrs produced by the plant are a valuable source of food for birds and other wildlife.
General Appearance
Subterranean clover is an annual herb with fine, hairy leaves that form a rosette at the base of the plant. The plant grows to a height of up to 60cm and has a branched stem with numerous small, pinkish-purple flowers. The burrs produced by the plant are small and contain several seeds each.
Light Requirements
Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with harsh sun, the plant can tolerate partial shade. However, insufficient light can result in poor growth and low yield.
Temperature Requirements
This type of clover prefers cool temperatures for optimal growth. The best temperature range for growth is between 15-25 degrees Celsius during the day and around 10-15 degrees Celsius at night. Temperatures beyond this range can affect growth and development, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can drastically reduce yield.
Soil Requirements
Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum thrives in a range of soils, including sandy loam, loam, and clay loam. However, the soil must be well-drained and have a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant can grow in regions with low rainfall and can withstand a certain level of salinity in the soil.
In summary, Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum requires full sun to partial shade, cool temperatures, and well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5 for optimal growth. These growth conditions must be maintained to ensure healthy and vibrant plants, resulting in high yields.
Cultivation Methods
Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum, also known as subterranean clover, is a cool-season annual legume that is easy to grow in most types of soil. The plant is commonly grown as a forage crop due to its high protein content. It is also used in erosion control and as a green manure crop.
The best time to sow the seeds is in late summer or early autumn. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and stones and add organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. Broadcast the seeds evenly across the soil surface and then cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7-14 days.
Watering Needs
Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum requires regular watering to ensure healthy growth. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week during periods of drought. The plant prefers well-drained soils and may suffer from root rot if the soil is waterlogged. Avoid overhead irrigation as it can cause leaf and stem diseases.
Fertilization
Subterranean clover does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it responds well to light applications of nitrogen and phosphorus. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, before planting and then again after the plant has reached six inches in height. Avoid applying too much nitrogen as it can increase the risk of disease, reduce root nodulation, and increase the risk of lodging.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for subterranean clover. However, if the plant is used for forage or hay, it should be harvested before it reaches full bloom to maintain high protein content. The plant can also be grazed by livestock, but it should be allowed to reach at least six inches in height before grazing. This will promote healthy regrowth and prevent damage to the roots.
Propagation of Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum
Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum, commonly known as subterranean clover, is primarily propagated by seed. However, it can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings or division.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and successful method of propagating Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum. The seed can be sown directly into the soil in autumn or early winter, when temperatures begin to cool and rainfall increases. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks, and the seedlings will start to grow rapidly thereafter. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and of medium fertility, with a pH between 5.0 and 8.0 for optimal growth.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum is not widely used, but it can be successful under certain conditions. Cuttings can be taken from healthy plants during the growing season and rooted in a well-draining soil mix. It is recommended to use a rooting hormone to increase the success rate of rooting. Division is another method of vegetative propagation, where the plant is divided into separate sections and replanted as new individuals.
In conclusion, Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum can be propagated through either seed or vegetative methods. Seed propagation is the most common and reliable, while vegetative propagation is less utilized but can be successful. The propagation method chosen will depend on the specific needs and goals of the grower.
Disease and Pest Management for Trifolium Subterraneum L. var. Subterraneum
Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum, commonly known as subterranean clover, is a popular forage crop that is widely grown in Australia. Although this plant is highly adaptable to different soil types and climatic conditions, it is vulnerable to a number of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management practices are therefore critical to ensuring a successful subterranean clover crop.
Common Diseases of Trifolium subterraneum L. var. Subterraneum
One of the most common diseases that affects subterranean clover is root rot, which is caused by various species of Phytophthora. Root rot can cause severe damage to the plant's root system, resulting in stunted growth, wilting, and eventual death. Another disease that can affect subterranean clover is anthracnose, a fungal infection that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and reduced yield.
To manage root rot, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected plants and avoiding the use of water-stressed seedlings. Additionally, crop rotation, the use of resistant cultivars, and the application of fungicides can be effective in managing the disease. For anthracnose, proper plant nutrition, timely irrigation, and the application of fungicides can help prevent and manage the disease.
Common Pests of Trifolium subterraneum L. var. Subterraneum
Subterranean clover can also be affected by various pests, including red-legged earth mites, lucerne flea, and slugs. Red-legged earth mites and lucerne flea can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems, resulting in reduced yield and poor plant growth. Slugs, on the other hand, can cause damage by feeding on the plant's leaves and attacking the flowers, resulting in reduced seed production.
To manage red-legged earth mites and lucerne fleas, it is important to practice good weed control and to avoid planting crops into stubble from a previous susceptible crop. Additionally, the use of insecticides can be effective in managing mite and flea populations. For slugs, the use of baits and traps can be effective in reducing their populations and preventing damage to the plant.
Implementing proper disease and pest management practices is critical to ensuring a healthy and productive subterranean clover crop. By identifying and managing common diseases and pests, farmers can help ensure that their crop is successful and profitable.
