Legumes

If we consider grass to be the base of most forage mixtures, then legumes would be the extra filling. Their ability to affix nitrogen, add to the quality of the forage, stretch your grazing periods in dry weather, while being relatively easy to establish in existing stands or new seedings, make them a valuable part of every forage mix. Alfalfa (V) and Red Clover (V) are both excellent in straight stands, or along with a grass, for haying or grazing. In haying only situations Birdsfoot Trefoil (V) is a great companion for grass, whereas White Clover (V) is an excellent companion if you're only grazing. As it is with grasses, not all legumes will work in every situation. Each legume was created with certain characteristics that make them unique. Lespedezas (V), for example, are annuals--they need time each fall to set seed. Red clovers are biennial--two years and the stand starts to thin. Under continuous grazing you won't maintain a stand of birdsfoot trefoil or alfalfa, but the white clovers will work extremely well. In a rotational-grazing system alfalfa, red clover, white clover, and lespedeza are all good options. When you're planning the next seeding job take time to think about what you want to accomplish, how you are going to do it, and when you'll do it. All these things enter into which legume you'll need to use.

Please click on (V) to see the varieties offered by Green Valley Seed.