Berseem Clover

• shenke3
• Jul 13, 2022
• 1 min read

Updated: Sep 6, 2022

Conservation Education, Cover Crops Series – Issue 1

What is berseem clover?

Berseem clover is a hollowed stem annual legume that is an excellent soil health contributor and nitrogen fixer. On average, it can supply 75 – 150 lbs of nitrogen for the next cash crop’s use.

How is berseem clover planted?

• Berseem clover should be planted after May 15th to reduce the risk of frost kill and injury.

• When established as an alternative forage, this clover should be drilled in at 18-20 pounds/acre at a depth of 1/8″.

• If planting is done incorrectly, clover will leave out underground and die.

• If utilizing berseem clover as a cover crop with additional species, 3-5 lbs is needed.

What are the growing conditions?

When temperatures are at or around 60°, berseem clover will be ready to cut at roughly 60 days. The clover’s hollowed stem makes for quick hay dry-down. Berseem clover yields dry matter tonnage similar to alfalfa in 2-3 cuttings during the growing season.

What are the benefits of using berseem clover as a cover crop?

• Berseem clover is an excellent soil health contributor and nitrogen fixer; on average it adds from 75-150 lbs of nitrogen to soil.

• In a grazing mixture, it makes for a great late-summer / early-fall grazer with low potential for animal bloat.

• Berseem clover can be planted alone and used as a forage, or combined with other species as a cover crop.

Download the printable PDF version!