Trifolium michelianum Savi
Balansa clover serves as an alternative to white and subterranean clovers in poor soil drainage and drought conditions with an excellent ability to suppress weeds. Reported to outproduce subterranean clover by 900% in saline/waterlogged areas, balansa clover will not cause bloat in grazing systems. Balansa clover is suitable for hay, silage, or green manure. A great alternative to white and subterranean clovers in poor soil drainage or drought conditions, balansa clover can produce more biomass at lower temperatures than most other clovers.
| Growth Pattern | Balansa forms a 3-foot taproot with numerous offshoots that extend 30 – 35 inches deep. Balansa clover can reach up to 3 feet in height as well, and stems can reach more than 12 feet Balansa has a cylindrical flower head that is 1 – 2 ½ inches long with small white-pink florets. Leaves can have smooth or serrated edges and are hairless. |
| Interseeding | Not Recommended
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| Did You Know? | Seeds/Lb: 500,000
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Adaptation
| Soil Conditions | With greater tolerance than crimson clover, balansa clover can also exhibit heat tolerance up to a maximum of 79°F – 82°F. The average annual rainfall should reach at least 12 inches. Balansa clover will grow on soils ranging from clay soils to sandy soils, with tolerance for water-logged soils and flooding. Salinity tolerance is between 3 – 5 dS/m.
Soil pH: 5.0 – 8.6
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| Growth | Optimum Growth Range: 45°F – 75°F
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Establishment
| Planting | Winter active with peak growth in mid-spring, balansa clover can be broadcast with fertilizer in low rainfall areas with little competition. Weed control will be necessary when grown as a monoculture.
Seeding Depth: ¼” – ½”
Monoculture: 5 – 8 Lb/A
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| Germination | Min Time To Emergence: 5 – 20 days
Ideal Temp: 65°F – 70°F
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Management
| Grazing | Rotationally graze balansa clover instead of continually stocking, but discontinue grazing during the flowering stage to avoid stand damage and extend the length of the stand. Heavy, close grazing is possible and will often increase tillering. Balansa clover typically does not cause bloat.
Earliest Time To Graze: 14 days – 21 days (light grazing during the first year) |
Fertilizing | At Planting: 15 lb/A N – 25 lb/A N
During Grazing Season: Not Applicable
| Hay/Silage | Timing: Early Bud Stage
Cuttings During Season: 1 – 2
| Recovery | Minimum Graze Height: 2 ½”
Rest Period: 14+ days
| Mixes | Grown best as a monoculture, Balansa Clover is not competitive and should not be sown with competitive plants. Balansa clover can still perform well with non-competitive plants such as perennial grasses and plantain. It is a useful addition to orchardgrass-sub clover pastures to add total legume content.
| | Yield | Tons of Dry Matter/A: 2.7 – 3
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Considerations
A large amount of hard seed makes balansa clover well suited for reseeding itself in a long-term pasture.
| Competition | Balansa Clover has an excellent ability to suppress weeds and compete with cool-season annual grasses once established.
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Risks | Balansa Clover is a very low bloat risk. If animals are not pulled off of Balansa Clover during the flowering stage, not enough seed will be produced to maintain adequate stands.
| Diseases | | | Pests |
- Redlegged Earth Mite
- Lucerne Flea
- Aphids
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Please Note:
All information provided is the result of research, our own experience, or the experiences shared by our customers.
We strongly encourage consulting additional resources before planting to ensure the best fit for your location and needs.
For questions or advice or to share your experience, contact us.
