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FIXatioN Balansa Clover cover crop legume is a small seeded annual legume that is quick to germinate, offers excellent forage production, and is well-adapted to a wide range of soil types. Established stands tolerate water-logging and extreme pH soils. Due to the inherent cold tolerance of FIXatioN Balansa Clover cover crop legume, it can overwinter in climates where other annual clovers cannot.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Non-Forage Benefits:
1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent
Compaction Alleviation: 3
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 4
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 5
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Fixer
Nutritional Value:
Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity
Crude Protein: 16
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: TBD
ADF%²: 31
NDF%³: 45
TDN: 65
DM Tons/Acre: 1-4
Days to First Harvest: 40-50
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: Good
Chop: Best
SEEDING:
Non-Forage Benefits:
1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent
Compaction Alleviation: 3
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 4
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 5
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Fixer
Nutritional Value:
Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity
Crude Protein: 16
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: TBD
ADF%²: 31
NDF%³: 45
TDN: 65
DM Tons/Acre: 1-4
Days to First Harvest: 40-50
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: Good
Chop: Best
MANAGEMENT:
Considerations
- Quick to germinate, however it is slower to establish than other clovers (crimson and red clover)
- Balansa is a prolific re-seeder; termination or grazing prior to flowering will remove the risk
- Erosion and runoff reduced by impressive growth and root mass
- Extremely drought tolerant
- Suited for low pH environments (4.5–8)
- Great pollinator option
- Hollow stems provide greater palatability
- Dense growing clover provides good weed suppression