Berseem forage contains from 18 to 28 percent crude protein, which is equal to or better than crimson clover and alfalfa. The quality remains acceptable until seed production. No known cases of bloat have been reported in animals feeding on berseem clover. The last growth in the spring may be cut for hay, plowed under for green manure, or allowed to mature.
The advantage of berseem clover over other clovers and alfalfa is its fast winter-growth rate. Big Bee and "Tibbee" crimson clover produce more fall and winter growth than do the other winter annual clovers. In addition, Big Bee continues to produce forage until late May or early June. Big Bee produces longer into the spring than other winter annual legumes. A limited amount of seed is available to farmers. Seed should become more plentiful as seed production is increased.
Description
Berseem clover is a winter annual legume with oblong leaflets and hollow stems. It grows upright and produces yellowish-white flowers. The plants may grow as tall as 18 to 30 inches. Big Bee is selected for its superior quality, rapid fall growth, and winter hardiness. Because of its winter hardiness, it has about the same range of adaption as arrowleaf and crimson clovers. Mature Big Bee plants hold their seeds well and produce adequate hard seeds for reseeding stands. This is not true with unselected berseem clover; unselected berseem clovers are nonreseeding.
Adaption
Berseem clover is similar in drought tolerance to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) but can tolerate more soil moisture than alfalfa or sweet clover (Melilotus alba L.). Although berseem clover grows on a variety of soils, a medium, loam soil that is slightly alkaline is best. Production practices are much the same as for other winter annual legumes. If you grow seed for production and/or reseeding, allow the seed to mature in the spring and have the area fallowed with final seedbed preparation in late August. Include Boron when applying fertilizer.
Establishment
You can seed berseem clover from August 25 to October 15. Big Bee is easily established with vigorous seedlings that will result in excellent fall production when planted early. Use 12 pounds per acre of berseem clover seed when planting with cool-season grass mixtures. Cultipack prepared seedbeds to press the seed into the soil surface and to save soil moisture. Establishment has been successful by surface broadcasting the seed on closely clipped grass sods.
Management and Use
Begin grazing or cutting berseem clover when the stand reaches 10 inches in height and when basal shoots begin to grow. Graze or clip to a 3-inch height to encourage new shoot production. It is critical to remove excess growth before temperatures reach the freezing mark. Heavy stand losses can occur from crown rot if excess forage is present during freezing.
For best results, rotate the grazing of berseem clover. This will give better total production by increasing yield and by increasing longevity of stand in the spring.
You can seed berseem clover in a mixture with crimson or white clover. In combination with perennial or annual cool-season grasses or cereals, high-quality forage is produced. It should greatly increase the quality of ryegrass for hay.
Berseem Clover Seed
