Crimson Clover Seeds

• Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is widely used as a cover crop to provide soil cover between food crop plantings. "Cover crops could be considered the backbone of any annual cropping system that seeks to be sustainable," according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Cover crops add nutrients to soil, improve soil structure, suppress weeds and harmful insects, and improve soil microbial activity. Crimson clover absorbs nitrogen from the air and fixes it into the soil where it is a valuable nutrient for subsequent crops. There are several seed cultivars of crimson clover.

Dixie

• 'Dixie' crimson clover is a reseeding variety when moisture is sufficient. It is planted in the fall, growing slowly through winter to a height of 2 ½ feet. Early plant development is in a rosette shape. Its foliage is light green covered with soft hairs. In spring crimson clover Dixie variety is identified by its crimson-colored flower carried at the end of an erect, hairy stem. When crimson clover is incorporated into the soil as a green manure crop it increases soil microbial activity, which initiates nutrient cycling.

Flame

• 'Flame' variety crimson clover "shows better biomass production, earlier maturation, higher percentage of hard seed, and better stand persistence", according to the University of California Davis cover crop database. It has higher than average shade tolerance and is frequently used in rotation with corn. It creates little competition for soil and sunlight resources until the corn matures. Crimson clover is also grown with soybeans and wheat.

Chief

• 'Chief' is a reseeding crimson clover grown as livestock forage as well as a cover crop. It is tolerant of soil acidity but thrives when pH is within the range of 5.8 to 6.5(Ref.3). Clover does well in sandy soil and well-draining clay soil. When grown for forage crimson clover is usually planted with small grains or rye grass. It increases the forage yield and extends the grazing season. Crimson clover seeds are also planted for land beautification and as a source of pollen and nectar for bees.