Crimson Clover

Crimson clover is an introduced winter/early spring annual crop typically used for pasture, hay, pollinator food and cover crop/green manure needs. Crimson clover can grow on poorer quality soils however it does not do well on alkali soils.  It is not typically found in the Southwestern States and some experimentation is needed to determine if we can incorporate it into local usage.  One major reason for this is the need for adequate moisture.  Do not use Crimson clover if you do not have supplemental irrigation.  It reseeds easily which can be used as a low cost continuous cropping system or it needs to be winter killed or till killed before it goes to seed to eliminate a volunteer problem.  It has the potential to suppress weeds with its quick growth and extensive foliage.