Using IFA Clover Seed as a Cover Crop

Clover seed is a beneficial solution for farmers and ag producers looking to enhance soil health and productivity through cover cropping. This legume, known for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and robust growth, can effectively suppress weeds, prevent erosion and improve soil structure.

Whether you're aiming to enrich your fields after harvest, establish green manure or simply improve the overall health of your soil, discover how using clover as a cover crop can lead to significant and lasting benefits.

The Benefits of Clover as a Cover Crop

Clover is an excellent choice for a cover crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This means clover can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use which significantly enhances soil fertility. Additionally, clover's dense growth pattern helps suppress weeds and reduces the need for chemical herbicides.

Another benefit is clover's ability to prevent soil erosion. Its robust root system holds the soil in place, protecting it from wind and water erosion. Clover also improves soil structure by increasing organic matter, which enhances water retention and root penetration. Clover is a versatile, low-maintenance crop that can thrive in various soil types and climates.

Types of IFA Clover for Cover Cropping and Pastures

Red Clover

A fast growing, popular clover for forage, pasture and hay. Biannual or short-lived perennial. Tolerates a wide variety of soils, tolerates mildly saline and alkaline soils. Medium red clover can be double-cut. A very popular and widely used clover.

Average Height: 18"-30"
Flower Color: Pink/Red

Yellow Sweet Clover

A fast growing biannual, but can behave like a perennial due to prolific seed production and ease of establishment. Commonly used for disturbed areas and soil stabilization. Widely distributed and adapted to many soil types and zones.

Average Height: 24"-48" with vines as long as 12 feet
Flower Color: Yellow

Hairy Vetch–Superior Cover Crop

Commonly used in cover crop mixes, for ground cover and erosion control. Very good forage value. More drought tolerant than other vetches. Excellent nitrogen producer. A winter or summer annual legume.

Average Height: 24"-48" with vines as long as 12 feet
Flower Color: Purple/White

Ladino Clover

The largest type of white clover. Significantly taller than White Dutch Clover but similar in appearance. Widely used in pastures, for hay, wildlife food plots. Can handle slightly acidic soils. Excellent for cover crop and tillage, excellent nitrogen producer. Good for pollinators and honeybees.

Average Height: 12"-24"
Flower Color: White

Strawberry Clover

Mainly used for pasture, commonly planted with forage grasses. Lower growing than Ladino Clover. Tolerates clay and compacted soils. A good choice for moderately saline and alkaline soils. Tolerates flooding. Excellent for cover crop and tillage, excellent nitrogen producer.

Average Height: 8"-14"
Flower Color: Pink

White Clover

One of the most widely cultivated types of clover. Shorter than Ladino. Excellent for forage production, ground cover and pasture.

Average Height: 12"-24"
Flower Color: White

How to Successfully Grow Clover

Growing clover successfully starts with selecting the right type for your specific needs and climate. Once you've chosen the appropriate variety, prepare your soil by removing any existing vegetation and loosening the top layer. Clover seeds are small, so they need good soil-to-seed contact for optimal germination.

Sowing clover seeds can be done by broadcasting them evenly over the soil surface and then lightly raking them in. It is essential to water the area thoroughly after planting to help the seeds settle into the soil. Clover prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Regular watering will help establish the clover, but once it's established, it can tolerate dry conditions relatively well.

Soil Improvement with Clover

Clover’s unique ability to fix nitrogen enriches the soil and promotes healthy plant growth. The nitrogen-fixing bacteria in clover's root nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants, which reduces the need for additional nitrogen fertilizers.

In addition to nitrogen fixation, clover is an excellent source of “green manure” that contributes organic matter to the soil. As clover plants decompose, they add valuable organic material that in turn improves soil structure, water retention and aeration. This organic matter also helps create a habitat for beneficial soil organisms, further enhancing soil health and fertility.

More Clover Uses: Clover for Lawns

Beyond its traditional use in agricultural settings, clover has emerged as a popular choice for homeowners seeking a vibrant, low-maintenance lawn alternative. Clover's dense root system helps prevent soil erosion and improves soil structure, making it a great choice for a waterwise lawn.

Clover’s ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere to enrich the soil is not only beneficial for ag producers. Homeowners can reduce the need for chemical lawn fertilizers with clover and it is an excellent plant for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Additionally, clover is incredibly resilient. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, drought conditions, pet urine and poor soil quality, making it an excellent choice for lawns that experience a lot of use.

Choosing the Right Clover Seed at IFA

Selecting the right clover seeds involves considering several factors, including your soil type, climate and specific needs. IFA offers a range of high-quality clover seed varieties to meet a variety of grower needs. Our seeds are selected for their performance in Intermountain climates and soils with high germination rates and disease resistance to ensure a healthy and productive cover crop.

Visit your local IFA Country Store to speak with an expert or contact your local IFA Agronomy Consultant to help you choose the best clover variety for your Ag needs.