Arrowleaf clover

Arrow leaf clover
(High-resolution
image available)

NOTE: The information in this Agnote must be read in conjunction with Introduction to selecting and using pastures in NSW, which covers information on areas of adaptation, sources of variability, species mixtures, and important issues related to animal health and the conservation of native vegetation.

Pasture type and use	Annual legume with predominantly spring and early summer growth. Best utilised in a grazing sward with other annual legumes and/or perennial grasses.
Area of adaptation	Dryland and irrigated pastures of the wheatbelt. The potential for use in coastal and tablelands pastures has not as yet been determined.
Min. average annual rainfall	400 mm in southern NSW, 500 mm in northern NSW.
Advantages	Grows well on most soil types, except very alkaline clay soils. Very deep rooted legume. Historically used to exploit moisture in perched water tables; now planted to utilise subsoil moisture that would otherwise be taken up by summer weed seedlings. Incorporating arrowleaf clover in sub clover based pastures can extend the grazing phase by 4–12 weeks. Tall erect growth (50–100 cm) makes it very compatible and persistent with most perennial grass species. Seed is easily harvested by farmers.
Disadvantages	Very hard seeded species. Second-year regeneration can sometimes be disappointing. To maximise germination, harvested seed usually requires scarification treatment. Tends to grow after the haymaking season, and its quality is considered to be too coarse to be a prime forage species. Should not be sown as pure sward, as autumn and winter growth is usually poor in most winter-rainfall districts. Not adapted to soils with pH(Ca) > 7.5. Sensitive to herbicides containing diflufenican, bromoxynil, diuron, terbutryn.
Soil requirements	Grows best on soils with pH(Ca) 4.5–7.5. Low tolerance to waterlogging periods during establishment.
Varieties	Early maturing: Cefalu* Late maturing: Zulu Seelu Very late maturing: Arrotas* *Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.
Sowing rates	1–2 kg/ha in a mix with 5 kg/ha of sub clover or medics. Not recommended as a pure sward. Ensure seed is treated to reduce hard-seed levels.
Sowing time	Early autumn to mid winter.
Companion species	Complements most other annual legumes and perennial grass species.
Inoculation	Group C
Major nutrient deficiencies	Phosphorus, sulfur
Main insect pests	Earthmites and lucerne flea during early establishment of seedlings.
Main diseases	No significant disease recorded to date in Australia.
Management	Supply sufficient phosphate when sowing. To facilitate seed-set with first-year stands, destock paddocks for 6 weeks once flowering initiates.
Livestock disorders of particular note	Can cause bloat in cattle.
Additional tips	Farmer-harvested seed yields of 200–400 kg/ha are common. Specialist seed growers have yields ≥1000 kg/ha. Seed needs to be treated to reduce hard-seed levels. Arrowleaf is not recommended for undersowing, as it has caused harvesting difficulties when late growth has occurred.
Further information	Arrowleaf primefact

Acknowledgments

Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

Photo: Mary-Anne Lattimore, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Yanco.