Managing clover dominance in swards

While clover in grass swards offers valuable benefits, especially nitrogen fixation and improved forage quality, too much can upset the balance so managing clover dominance is essential to ensure a productive, resilient sward.

Dominant clover can suppress grass productivity, reduce sward diversity and increase the risk of issues like bloat in livestock.

When grass is grazed too tightly, clover can quickly take over. By regularly monitoring your sward and taking appropriate action, you can manage clover dominance effectively.

A balanced sward delivers better forage, healthier livestock and long-term pasture resilience.

Assess your sward every few months to track clover levels. Aim for 30–40% clover in the mix – enough to benefit soil and livestock without overwhelming the grass.

If clover is getting too dominant, adjust grazing pressure or consider overseeding with grass to restore balance.

Use rotational grazing to help prevent overgrazing, giving grass time to recover and limiting clover’s ability to outcompete. Leave 5–7 cm of grass behind to maintain its competitiveness.

Manage stocking density by avoiding overgrazing which weakens grass and can lead to clover dominance. Controlled stocking rates also support balanced regrowth.

Use nitrogen in moderate amounts to promote grass growth without completely suppressing clover. Overuse can damage the clover’s ability to fix nitrogen.

Use other nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and especially sulphur, which is essential for protein synthesis and nitrogen fixation in clover.

Tailor fertiliser use to your sward and soil with help from a FACTS-qualified adviser, or consult RB209.

Mow during periods of peak clover growth to reduce its dominance and encourage grass tillering.

Cut grass to 6–7 cm. Cutting too low (<3 cm) risks damaging plant crowns and increasing soil contamination, while cutting too high (>8 cm) can allow clover to dominate.

Where clover is too dominant, overseed with grasses like perennial ryegrass or timothy. Aim to overseed from late summer or early spring when clover growth may slow and conditions favour grass establishment due to improved soil moisture.

Mow or hard graze to 4–6 cm before overseeding. Avoid heavy nitrogen use beforehand to limit clover competition.

Testing soil every 4–5 years helps track pH and nutrient levels. Ensure optimal soil pH – clover-grass swards perform best at pH 6.3–7.0.

Apply lime when needed as clover prefers at least pH 6.5, and higher pH levels also support grass nutrient uptake.

During drought, reduce grazing intensity to prevent overgrazing of grass, which gives clover an advantage.

Use less selective grazers such as cattle to help graze down excess clover before it becomes a problem.

Clover’s deeper roots can give it an edge during drought. Protect your grass by adjusting grazing pressure.

Continue to monitor and manage clover during wet conditions to prevent it from becoming too dominant.