Persian Clover (Trifolium resupinatum)
Mihi Persian Brochure (PDF)
Plant Characteristics: Winter annual with non-hairy, oval leaflets with toothed margins. Small pink flowers that produce olive green to purple seeds.
Establishment: Persian clover is adapted to a range of soils from clay loams to heavy clay soils and tolerates poor drainage. Seed should be broadcast at rates of 3 to 5 lbs/ac between September and October at 1/4 inch depth. Direct drilling can be a successful sowing method.
Weeds: Persian clovers are adapted to the central and southern part of the United states. Persian clover is very sensitive to weed competition in seedling stage. IF heavy weed pressure is expected at seedling emergence, heavy grazing to keep the competiion down till the clover can compete is worth considering. Heavy stocking for a short period is the best means of controlling barnyard grass once Persian clover is firmly anchored.
Fertilization: Most Persian clovers requires a pH abave 6. Mihi will tolerate lower ph because of where it was selected and multiplied. Phosphorus should be applied at rates of 15 to 35 lb/ac. These rates need to be adjusted depending on soil P levels as indicated by soil test recommendations.
Grazing/Hay Management: Persian could be used for pasture, hay, or green manure. Very productive from March to April with yields 2 plus ton/ac. Close grazing is recommended due to the short seasonal growth. Regrowth after grazing or cutting is excellent. Two spring hay cuts are possible with the later maturing varieties. It can be sown with oats ro ryegrass for greater winter production and to reduce the risk of bloat.
Forage Quality: Bloat can be a problem in cattle. Sowing Persian clover in a mixture with ryegrass or oats will reduce the risk of bloat. It has a high mutritive value as pasture or hay. Crude protein ranges from 16 to 21%, NDF 24 to 45%, and IVDMD 63 to 78%.
Varieties/Cultivars: There are eight commercial varieties that differ in maturity and disease resistance.