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White clover
Read our advice to help you learn about white clover. You’ll find information on the benefits of white clover and how to use white clover on farm.
What is white clover?
White clover is a perennial legume, which suits both grazing and silage. It can increase yields by up to 15%, depending on clover content and nitrogen inputs.
The key to survival and production potential of white clover is its multi-branched creeping stem, called a stolon, which provides sites for new leaves, roots and flowers. The stolon also stores carbohydrates and proteins, meaning the plant can overwinter and regenerate in spring.
Top tips for white clover
- Aim for 30% clover content of sward
- Choose a leaf size according to the class of animal and whether the ley is going to be short-, medium- or long-term
Why use white clover?
Read our advice on the benefits of using white clover, including feed value and soil structure.
How to use white clover
Find out how to use white clover to benefit your system. See our tips on leaf size and grass/clover mixtures.
Useful links
How to assess the clover content of your pastures
Research into NIRS use for clover silage
Learn more about grass and forage management
Clover species for grassland reseeding
Find out more about managing clover
Read the Establishing and growing clover guide
If you would like to order a hard copy of the Establishing and growing clover guide, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.
The information in these web pages was sourced from Germinal, Grassland Development Centre (IBERS, University of Aberystwyth) and Charlie Morgan (GrassMaster Ltd).