PERFORMANCE OF SOD-SEEDED TEMPERATE LEGUMES IN GRASS DOMINANT SWARDS

Abstract

Small plot experiments and field scale trials were conducted to determine the establishment and growth of sod-seeded alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), white clover (T. repens L.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in fine sandy loam soils on Prince Edward Island. Both pasture and hayfield managements were included. A John Deere PowrTill 1500 drill was used for sod-seeding and various combinations of grazing, herbicides, and clipping were used for vegetation suppression during establishment of the legumes. Sod-seeded red and white clovers established the best and were the most productive species. It was estimated that in the postseeding year sod-seeding of clovers resulted in yields comparable to stands fertilized with 100-150 kg N∙ha−1 annually. Trefoil and alfalfa had variable establishment and usually made a limited contribution to sward productivity. Timothy sod-seeded in conjunction with red clover, white clover or alfalfa established satisfactorily with all three legume species used.Key words: Pasture renovation, red clover, white clover, alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, sod-seeding