Lotus - Birdsfoot trefoil

Lotus — Birdsfoot trefoil
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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	A perennial pasture legume with tolerance of moderately acidic soils. Suited to oversowing into native grasses or in a mixture of temperate species. Suitable for general purpose pasture grazed by sheep or cattle.
Area of adaptation	Southern, Central and Northern Tablelands, North-West Slopes.
Min. average annual rainfall	650 mm (southern NSW) to 750 mm (northern NSW).
Advantages	Not known to cause bloat. Establishes through low-cost broadcasting or direct-drilling techniques. High nutritive value forage.
Disadvantages	A long-daylength plant. In northern NSW, current varieties do not set adequate seed to assure good seed-bank development and seedling recruitment for stand persistence. Sensitive to overgrazing.
Soil requirements	Broad adaptation to diverse soil conditions. Will tolerate soil acidity as low as pH(Ca) 4.7. Avoid significant soil aluminium levels.
Varieties	Grasslands Goldie Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.
Sowing rates:	as only species - N/A in mixtures - 1–3 kg/ha
Sowing time	Autumn (March–June)
Companion species	Vulnerable to grass competition from vigorous grasses like perennial ryegrass, short-term ryegrasses or forage crops etc. It has persisted well with tall fescue and native grasses such as red grass and other summer-growing perennials, and should generally be compatible with other bunch-type grasses.
Inoculation	Lotus corniculatus inoculant.
Major nutrient deficiencies	Will persist on soils low in phosphorus; however, application of fertiliser containing phosphorus (e.g. superphosphate) will increase yield.
Main insect pests	Heliothis caterpillars attack flowers and pods.
Main diseases	Seed-borne pathogens can potentially cause crown and root rots and limit plant longevity.
Management	Intermittent grazing is necessary to stimulate tillering, and intermittent spelling is necessary to avoid overgrazing. Exclusion from grazing during flowering/podding in December/January is useful to maximise flowering, podding and seed-bank development for subsequent seedling recruitment and stand persistence.
Livestock disorders of particular note	Is known to sometimes produce cyanogenic glucosides, but reports of cyanide poisoning associated with it are very rare. Its ingestion can occasionally be associated with cases of photosensitisation.
Additional tips	Establish by broadcasting or direct drilling into a competition-free seedbed; plant shallow. Use specific Lotus corniculatus inoculant. Anticipate ongoing germination for up to 12 months post-sowing.
Further information	Ayres, J, Bluementhal, M & Early, R 2001, ‘Lotus opens new approaches for grazing’, Farming Ahead, vol. 119: 58–9.

Acknowledgments

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

Photo: M. Davies, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.