The green manure value of seven clover species grown as annual crops on low and high fertility temperate soils

Abstract

Annual and perennial clover species may differ in green manure value. Seven clover (Trifolium) species were grown as annual crops on low fertility (Breton) and high fertility (Edmonton) soils in Alberta. Four annual clovers [balansa (T. michelianum Savi), berseem (T. alexandrinum L.), crimson (T. incarnatum L.), and Persian (T. resupinatum L.)], three perennial clovers [alsike (T. hybridum L.), red (T. pratense L.), and white Dutch (T. repens L.)] and a non-legume reference crop [fall rye (Secale cereale L.)] were ploughed-down as green manure in autumn, and followed by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Annual clovers had greater biomass yields than perennial clovers, and berseem clover had the highest yield. At Breton, mean biomass N content was greater for perennial clovers (2.9 g N kg-1) than annual clovers (1.9 g N kg-1). Clover biomass at Breton yielded an average of 77 kg N ha-1, with N derived from the atmosphere averaging 88% by N difference method and 75% by 15N natural abundance method. At Edmonton, the green manures had few effects on soil nitrate and subsequent barley yields. At Breton, all clover green manures except balansa increased barley yields, and grain yields were greater following perennial clovers than annual clovers in one year. Annual clovers will provide forage biomass and add N in areas where rainfall is adequate, and they may be preferable under zero tillage. However there is no advantage of annual clovers, relative to perennial clovers, in terms of N supply.Key words: Green manure, clover, Trifolium species, nitrogen fixation