Weekly, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist Paul Beck offers his expertise on the beef cattle industry. This is part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Derrell Peel, Mark Johnson, and Beck. Today, he discusses enhancing pastures with annual clovers.
Annual clovers offer significant benefits to forage systems across Oklahoma, including improved forage quality, extended grazing seasons, and reduced fertilizer costs. These legumes naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility and boosting livestock performance—all while lowering input expenses.
In Oklahoma’s diverse climate, annual clovers often outperform perennial varieties, particularly in the southern and eastern regions where hot, humid summers can limit the persistence of perennial clovers. Because annual clovers complete their life cycle in a single year, they require annual re-establishment through either reseeding or replanting.
Establishment Tips for Oklahoma Producers
- Select the Right Species: Match clover species to your soil’s texture, drainage, and pH.
- Soil Preparation: Maintain a soil pH above 6.0. If necessary, apply lime at least six months before planting.
- Fertilization: Avoid nitrogen applications to encourage clover growth and nitrogen fixation.
- Weed Management: Use herbicides with short residual activity.
- Planting: Drill seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, or broadcast with a 20–25% higher seeding rate.
- Sod Seeding: Graze or mow forage to 3 inches before planting. Ideal planting dates are October 15 to November 15.
Recommended Clover Species for Oklahoma
- Arrowleaf: Late-maturing, high-yielding, ideal for hay and grazing; prefers well-drained soils.
- Ball: Low-growing, excellent reseeder; tolerates wet soils and close grazing.
- Berseem: High forage producer; thrives in wet soils but lacks cold hardiness—best for southern Oklahoma.
- Crimson: Early maturing and cold tolerant, excellent for late winter and early spring grazing.
- Persian: Tolerates wet soils and reseeds well, but has low cold tolerance and poses a bloat risk.
- Red: Upright and cold hardy, ideal for hay; does not tolerate wet or acidic soils.
- Rose: Drought tolerant, reseeds effectively, and adapts well to Oklahoma’s variable rainfall.
- Subterranean: Low-growing and an excellent reseeder; tolerates wet soils and close grazing.
With proper species selection and management, annual clovers can significantly enhance pasture productivity and profitability in Oklahoma.
For additional guidance, contact your local OSU Extension office, see the factsheet Forage Legumes for Oklahoma PSS-2585 (https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/forage-legumes-for-oklahoma.html) or visit https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/forage-and-pasture-management/.
