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- Clover
Clover species are short-lived, perennial legumes grown across the Prairies. They are generally quick to establish and produce high-quality forage. Primary clover uses include hay, silage and soil improvement due to nitrogen fixation, and its ability to grow in a wide range of soils and climates. The primary clover species grown for seed
in Western Canada are red, sweet and alsike.
Field Selection
Clover should be established with a cover crop such as wheat, flax or oats. Canola is not a recommended cover crop as volunteer seeds may germinate during the year of production, causing concern with export regulations. Clover yields best in well-drained soils. When selecting fields, it’s important to review the herbicide history as chemical residues can affect germination. Select a clean field that’s free of perennial weeds like Canada thistle.
Weed & Disease Control
Herbicides are available to control broadleaf and grassy weeds, but options are limited. Once established, clover offers significant weed competition.
Seeding
Clover seed must be treated with the proper inoculant before planting. Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Clover must be seeded into a moist, firm seedbed at a rate ranging from 1 to 8 lbs/acre.
Pollination
Clover must be cross-pollinated to produce seed. Consistent yields are obtained by locating honeybees nearby to pollinate the field. Native pollinators such as bumblebees also aid in seed production.
Harvesting
Clover can be either swathed or desiccated and straight combined. Seed can shatter easily, so proper harvest timing is critical. Seed can safely be stored at 10% moisture.
Production Benefits
- Low fertilizer requirements
- Can be swathed or desiccated and harvested
- Improves soil fertility and increases organic matter
- Break-crop effect benefits annual crops in rotation
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Seeding Rate | 1 – 8 lbs/acre |
| Seeding Depth | ½ to ¾ inch |
| Row Spacing | 10 – 12 inches |
| Seed Production Life | 1 – 2+ years depending on the species |
| Companion Crop | Wheat, flax, oats |
| Soil pH | 5.5 – 8.0 |
| Fertility | Low fertility requirements |
| Swathing/Desiccation Timing | Sweet and red mid-August, red mid-September |
| Harvest Timing | 7 – 14 days after swathing/desiccation |
| Seed Moisture | Dry is 10% |
| Seed Value (Est.) | $1.00 – $2.00 / lb |
| Seed Yield (Average) | 250 – 600+ (350) lbs/acre |
| Cost of Production | Low |
Moisture Charts
SEED PRODUCTION GUIDE
CONTACT A SEED PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
From scouting and selection of production fields, fertility programs, pest management and growth regulator recommendations to swathing, harvest timing and cover crop management, a dedicated Seed Production Specialist is with you every step of the way to help maximize returns.