(Trifolium incarnatum L.)

Crimson clover is a cool season annual legume, used as forage, soil conservation, and as a green manure crop.  Crimson is easily established and will tolerate colder temperatures than other clovers, and will perform on soils with pH ranges from 4.8 – 8.2, suggested pH is between 5.8 – 6.5.  It should be established six weeks prior to frost.  In No-till application, crimson clover is used primarily for soil cover and nitrogen fixation; having the ability to provide from 65 – 90 lbs. of N for the following crop.

Seeding Dates:  Southern US : Sept. – Oct.    Midwest : Mid Aug. – Mid Sept.

Seeding Rates:  Drill - 12-15 lbs/acre

                               Broadcast - 20-25 lbs/acre

Seeding Depth: 1/4 - 1/2"

Note:  Need to Inoculate prior to seeding.  Crimson clover is a host for the soybean cyst nematode. Good early spring N production, can winterkill some years, more research needed.

Crimson Clover

http://www.oregonclover.org/pdffiles/crimsonclover.pdf

Crimson Clover - Michigan Cover Crop Species