Rose clover

Rose clover
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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	Annual winter/spring growing legume. Suited to grazing - especially cattle. Useful as a pioneer plant in reclamation work. Tolerates mildly acid soil.
Area of adaptation	Central West Slopes, North West Slopes, Central West Plains.
Min. average annual rainfall	400 mm (southern NSW) to 650 mm (northern NSW).
Advantages	Suited to a wide range of soil types; adapted to lower-fertility soils. Will grow in areas too dry for sub clover and too acid for medics. Compatible with native grasses. High hard-seed levels enhance persistence.
Disadvantages	Sensitive to heavy grazing. Nutritive value relatively low after seed-set.
Soil requirements	Widely adapted, including mildly acid red gradational and duplex soils, light granitic and sedimentary derived soils.
Varieties	Hykon
Sowing rate - in mixtures	0.5–1.0 kg/ha in a 4–5 kg/ha mix.
Sowing time	Autumn
Companion species	Sub clover, barrel medic, lucerne, perennial grasses depending on district and soil type.
Inoculation	Group C
Major nutrient deficiencies	Phosphorus, sulfur, molybdenum.
Main insect pests	No major problems encountered.
Main diseases	No major problems encountered.
Management	Avoid heavy grazing in spring if soil seed reserves are low. Spelling following germination will enhance density.
Livestock disorders of particular note	The ingestion of old flower heads may be associated with fibre ball (phytobezoar) development in the abomasum of cattle, and with wool contamination in sheep. Bloat in cattle; urinary calculi (clover stones) incidence may increase in sheep; occasionally red gut in sheep.
Additional tips	Avoid grazing lambs on mature rose clover pastures if crutching or shearing in February/March.

Acknowledgments

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

Photo: Mary-Anne Lattimore, NSW Agriculture, Yanco.