Kura clover establishment methods

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) is a rhizomatous legume that produces high quality forage and has exceptional persistence. However, slow establishment has limited its use, Our objective was to evaluate the effect of alternative establishment methods on Kura clover forage and seed production. At Rosemount, MN, we compared the effect of an oat (Avena sativa L,) companion crop harvested for forage; a birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L,) companion crop seeded with or without preplant herbicide application (trifluralin); and solo-seeding with or without a preplant herbicide application (trifluralin) on Kura clover yield and plant populations. At Roseau, MN, we determined the effect of solo-seeding with or without preplant herbicide (trifluralin), or with a flax (Linum usitatissimum L,) or a wheat (Triticum aestivum L,) companion crop on Kura clover forage and seed yield in the year following seeding. Kura clover forage production in the seeding and post-seeding years was maximized when solo-seeded with a preplant herbicide; however, results were variable across years. Kura clover forage yields in the seeding year were very low (< 400 lb/acre) for all treatments. An oat companion crop increased total weed-free forage yields in the seeding year, but reduced by 46% Kura clover yields in the seeding and post seeding years compared with solo-seeding with herbicide. A birdsfoot trefoil companion crop produced similar or lower Kura clover yields in the seeding and post-seeding year as solo-seeding with herbicide but similar or greater total forage yields. Seed production only occurred for solo-seeding with a preplant herbicide. Solo-seeding with herbicide is the most reliable establishment method for Kura clover forage and seed production; however, Kura clover establishment remains challenging.