Thermal time requirements for leaf appearance of 'Frontier' balansa clover

Abstract

Balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum Savi.) is an annual Mediterranean clover species which can be used in dryland pasture mixtures with white (T. repens) and subterranean clovers (T. subterraneum). The aim is to produce quality feed for grazing livestock and transfer nitrogen to companion grasses which alleviates nitrogen deficiency symptoms. However, long-term production and persistence from an annual clover in a perennial pasture requires successful re-establishment from seed in autumn. This requires rapid leaf appearance and canopy expansion into open canopy spaces to minimise competition for light.