Why Plant Clover with Tall Fescue?
Clover in tall fescue pastures provides several advantages: 1. Improves the average daily gain of grazing animals. 2. Increases weaning weights of calves. 3. Improves conception rate of cows. 4. Reduces likelihood of grass tetany in cows. 5. Provides nitrogen from the atmosphere through fixation, thus reducing or eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilization. 6. Reduces fescue toxicity problems, which occur with endophyte -infected tall fescue. Establishment of Clover Along With Tall Fescue White clover (including ladino types) and red clover are desirable companion species to tall fescue whether the fescue is endophyte -infected or endophyte free. To establish new tall fescue-clover pastures on prepared land: 1. Destroy all existing vegetation, level, then prepare and firm the seedbed before planting. 2. Apply lime, phosphorus, and potassium according to soil test recommendations and incorporate during seedbed preparation. 3. Plant in September to October. Drill tall fescue at 10 to
