What sub clover suits a very short growing season in dry country?
We recommend Nungarin Subterranean Clover. It is an early-maturing sub clover that flowers in early August, about 77 days after sowing at Perth, and matures its seed by late September. That makes it suited to drier areas with around 300mm or more of rain, where the season finishes early.
Which clover has lots of hard seed so it keeps coming back?
Nungarin Subterranean Clover is a good choice. It is a hard black-seeded variety with a very high level of hard seed and good persistence, which helps it regenerate over time. It is best suited to moderately acidic, well-drained loams with a minimum soil pH of 4.5 (CaCl2), in drier areas from 300mm rainfall.
How much Nungarin sub clover do I sow per hectare?
We recommend 6 to 20 kg/ha of Nungarin Subterranean Clover, inoculated with Group C inoculant before sowing. Nungarin is an early-maturing, hard black seeded sub clover that suits drier areas from 300mm rainfall on moderately acidic, well-drained loams, with a minimum soil pH of 4.5 (CaCl2). Talk to us about where in that range to sit for your paddock.
Why doesn't my early clover give much feed in late spring?
Early-maturing sub clovers such as Nungarin Subterranean Clover finish early, so they do not produce much feed in late spring. That is the trade-off for setting seed reliably in short, dry seasons. If your season runs longer, a later variety such as our Dalkeith Subterranean Clover or Urana Subterranean Clover will give more spring feed.
What clover grows on acidic loam soils in the low rainfall wheatbelt?
Nungarin Subterranean Clover suits acidic loams in the low rainfall wheatbelt. It tolerates mildly low pH, with a minimum soil pH of 4.5 (CaCl2), and is best suited to moderately acidic, well-drained loams. It is early maturing, which suits drier areas from 300mm rainfall. Inoculate with Group C, and consider lime if your soil pH is below 4.5.
What can I sow with sub clover in a dry area to spread the risk?
We suggest mixing Nungarin Subterranean Clover with Dalkeith Subterranean Clover, and adding a serradella such as Margurita French Serradella or Santorini Yellow Serradella for sandy soils, or Casbah Biserrula for lighter acidic soils. Mixing species with different flowering times and hard seed levels spreads risk across seasons. We can also build one of our Mix & Match Custom Pasture Blends to suit your paddock.
Is sub clover safe to graze for sheep and cattle?
Sub clover is valuable feed for sheep and cattle, but manage two risks. Cattle can bloat on lush, clover-dominant pastures, and some older sub clovers contain oestrogens that affect ewe fertility. With Nungarin Subterranean Clover, keep a grass component, introduce stock gradually and talk to your vet or adviser about your flock.
How do I look after a hard seeded clover pasture over summer?
Keep dry residues grazed down over summer so seedlings can emerge after the break, but avoid overgrazing that leaves the soil bare. Nungarin Subterranean Clover buries its seed, and its high hard seed level protects it from false breaks. Keep pressure light during flowering in August and September so plants can set plenty of seed.
When does Nungarin flower?
Nungarin Subterranean Clover flowers in early August, about 77 days after sowing in the Perth area, and its seed matures in late September. This early timing is why it suits drier, short-season country. In longer seasons, it will finish well before the moisture runs out.
Nungarin vs Izmir sub clover, which one should I buy?
Izmir Subterranean Clover is seen as the direct replacement for Nungarin Subterranean Clover in lower rainfall areas. It flowers at a similar early time but has more hard seed, softens later to resist false breaks and produces more feed. Nungarin is a proven, very persistent older variety. Talk to us about which suits your rotation.
