Solving the Soil Health Puzzle? We Have you Covered.  Cover crops are an important piece to soil health and future profit. We know it takes work and is puzzling at times. Soil First® provides quality products plus tips, tools and solutions to help cover crops work for you. As challenges arise, we are ready with the pieces you need to succeed.

    GrassLopata

    Crimson Clover

    Strong nitrogen fixing and high biomass potential –N production will be greatest when termination occurs at or after bud stage

    Download Tech Sheet

    Crimson Clover cover crop legume is a semi-upright winter annual legume that germinates quickly and prefers well drained soil. Crimson Clover legume tends to remain actively growing in cooler temperatures when warmer season clovers go dormant. Crimson clover legume can be successfully established in both fall and spring. To maximize success in late summer plantings, seed at least 6-8 weeks before frost. Spring plantings should occur after all danger of frost has past.

     

     

    CHARACTERISTICS:

    Non-Forage Benefits:
    1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent

    Compaction Alleviation: 2
    Weed Suppression: 4
    Biomass Production: 3
    Erosion Control: 3
    Disease/Pest Control: 3
    Pollinator/Beneficials: 3
    P & K Cycling: 3
    Ease of Establishment: 4

    Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Fixer

    Nutritional Value:
    Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

    Crude Protein: 17
    NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .56
    ADF%²: 31
    NDF%³: 42
    TDN: 59
    DM Tons/Acre: .5-2
    Days to First Harvest: 60
    Days to Next Harvest: –

    ¹- Net Energy for Lactation = Energy available after subtracting digestive and metabolic losses
    ²- Acid Detergent Fiber = Low values mean more digestible
    ³- Neutral Detergent Fiber = Low values mean cows can eat more

    Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
    Graze: Better
    Baleage: Best
    Chop: Good

     

     

    SEEDING:

    Planting Time:
    Feb.-Mar.;Aug.-Sept.

    Seeding Rate:
    Mono (lbs./acre): 10-15
    Mix (lbs./acre): 4-8
    Forage (lbs./acre): 6-15

    Seeding Info:
    Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): 15:1-20:1
    Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4
    Seeds/lb.: 150,000
    Bulk Density (lbs./ft.³): 52
    Aerial Application Rate: 6-15
    Germination Soil Temp.: 42 F
    USDA Hardiness Zone: 7
    Days to Emergence: 7-10

     

     

    MANAGEMENT:

    Considerations

    • Heavy stands may attract voles and other pests
    • Crimson clover can cause bloat (see Soil First® Management Guide page 15 for more information)
    • Ideal pH of 5.5–7.0
    Download Tech Sheet
    • Strong nitrogen fixing and high biomass potential –N production will be greatest when termination occurs at or after bud stage
    • Really good shade tolerance –suitable for interseeding plantings in grass cash crops
    • Good option for hay or grazing
    • Increases water- holding ability and flowering stands attract many beneficial insects and pollinators
    • Suited for many cropping systems across the country, from potatoes to corn to wheat to cotton
    • Hardy to USDA Zone 7 (0–5° F)