Spring management and harvesting methods for white clover : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the Diploma in Farm Management at Lincoln College

Abstract

White clover is one of the most important small seeds in New Zealand for internal use in pasture swards and earnings of overseas money through exports. A problem with white clover is the fact that there are limited areas where it can be grown successfully for seed. White clover requires a climate that is dry during the latter part of December and January to facilitate harvesting and adequate moisture in autumn, winter and spring to promote the necessary growth. To grow white clove it is essential in certain areas to have irrigation on lighter soils where the water retention capacity is low during dry seasons, and likewise drainage on the heavier, extremely wet soils that do not dry out as easily as lighter soils during wet years. Because of these required environmental characteristics, I can understand why Canterbury is the biggest white clover producer in New Zealand.