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Tip: sow grass clover after early maize harvest
After a particularly sunny and warm summer, the maize can be chopped early in many fields. This creates opportunities for successful sowing of grass clover. What are the benefits and what should you pay attention to?
grass clover is a suitable follow-on crop after silage maize. However, it is important that you can sow early in the autumn, preferably until mid-September. The clover can then develop well for the winter.
The benefits of clover
The biggest advantage of clover is, of course, its nitrogen fixation. Clover supplies a lot of nitrogen to the grass: the advice is an N application of 30-60 kg for pastures and 50-80 kg for mowing for the first cut, after that the N-delivery of the clover is sufficient (depending on the soil stock) . This results in considerable savings on N fertilization.
And there are even more advantages of this mixed cultivation:
- Clover (especially red) lasts much longer in drought and heat than grass.
- Clover provides extra protein-rich food.
- The continuous N supply ensures less rust in the autumn grass.
- Clover is tasty and rich in minerals.
- The soil is improved and enriched, and there is a lot of N-redelivery, which ensures higher yields in maize cultivation.
Extra benefit in new cap and milk prices
In the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that will come into effect in 2023, the cultivation of grass clover will be further stimulated. Grass clover is one of the eco-schemes, which earns points for the eco-premium. In the sustainability programs of dairies, clover also counts as herb-rich grass, which helps to receive the extra milk money.
Tips for sowing clover
Want to get started with grass clover? Some tips for a successful cultivation:
- Sow white and red clover together with the grass seed: 5-10 kg LG Havera clover mix at 35-40 kg grass seed per hectare.
- Mix the mixture well before entering the seed tray and avoid segregation during sowing.
- Sow grass clover shallower than grass (1,5 cm). Prevent grass clover from being sown too deeply if the seed bed is too loose.
- The phosphate and potassium state must be sufficient, the pH must be above 5,2. If necessary, carry out liming first after the maize harvest.
- Make sure that the grass clover goes into winter for a short time, especially when sowing in autumn.
- Fertilize especially the first year after sowing (at most twice 25 m3 slurry).
- Pay attention to the weed control, clover is sensitive to most pesticides.
- Clover hates nitrogen. Therefore, give minimal fertilizer.
Want to get started with grass clover? Your roughage specialist will be happy to give you tailor-made advice!
