How Clover Can Reduce Your Fertiliser Bill By 30%
Many see the inclusion of white clover in grass mixtures as an unnecessary added cost or a box-ticking exercise for derogation and other schemes. But where clover is sown, established and managed correctly it could reduce chemical nitrogen application by 100-150kg/ha saving farmers up to 30% on fertiliser costs.
In grazing systems the use of white clover is most common while red clover is better suited to silage-making.
White clover forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in the soil. These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it to a form that plants can use via the clover plant – essentially producing free , natural fertiliser for a large part of the growing season.
As well as being a source of free N, white clover provides a number of benefits in grazing swards;
- Increase sward digestibility and protein %
- Boosts mid-season growth & quality
- Enhance animal performance through increased dry matter intakes
To realise these benefits on farm a sward clover content of 20 – 30% is optimal. This can be achieved through good soil fertility and careful grazing management.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions on how white clover can save you money then Get in Touch Today! With one of our grass and forage experts. In the meantime, keep an eye on our website for our next clover article on managing swards with white clover for reduced fertiliser use.