Red clover, a forage asset for young grassland
Protein production is becoming increasingly crucial, both for livestock feed and for human food. In the field, one forage legume stands out thanks to its multiple benefits: red clover. With its nitrogen input, increased yield and protein quality, red clover is a robust crop, particularly suitable for young grassland.
A constant supply of nitrogen for young grassland
The primary value of red clover lies in its contribution to the nitrogenous autonomy of grassland. “When red clover accounts for 30% of grassland biomass, it brings the equivalent of 100 units of nitrogen per hectare per year”, explains Antoine Bedel, an expert in forage and soil and health plants. This is useful for newly-established grassland where this forage legume provides two thirds of nitrogen requirements for three years.
+20% yield for 50% purple clover
red clover makes a clear impact on yield. Tests show that the improvement in forage production is proportional to the amount sown. By pushing the proportion of red clover to 50% of the biomass, grassland gains 20 additional yield points! “Unlike alfalfa and white clover, which provide a periodic increase in yield, red clover brings a constant improvement in forage production, spring and summer alike,” says Antoine Bedel.
Improved protein levels and digestibility
With red clover, protein production improves, both in quantity and quality. When it represents 30% of the grassland biomass, the protein level increases by 5 to 10%. The digestibility of the fibre improves, thanks in particular to the anti-stress effect on other grassland components, such as, for example, grasses that benefit from the fertilising effect of clover. However, if included in a grazing system, the bloating potential of red clover must be taken into consideration.
A red clover breeder since 1967, RAGT improves the productivity of this forage legume by 7% every twenty years (average of French varieties: 4.5%). It adds real genetic value for improving the yield of young grassland!
