SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22464, 27 July 1938, Page 8

SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER

PROGRESS IN CANTERBURY AND OTAGO DEPARTMENTAL SURVEY The July isue of the “New Zealand Journal of Agriculture” contains an article on the subject of subterranean clover in Canterbury and Otago, written by Mr J. P. Beggs, Fields Division, Hastings. The following is a summary of the writer’s observations:— Interest in subterranean clover growing in Canterbury and Otago has become widespread during the last two years. Propaganda has been largely responsible for bringing this clover into the limelight, though the fact that the last two seasons have been favourable for its successful growth throughout the greater part of Canterbury has been a contributing influence. If subterranean clover can be grown successfully on much of the lighter and poorer land in Canterbury and Otago over a period of years, it is obvious that it could play an important part in the farming of this land. There are large areas where red and white clover cannot be grown successfully for any number of years and frequent cultivation and resowing are necessitated. Being an annual which, under favourable conditions, reseeds prolifically and buries its seed, it is able to persist under harder conditions than the perennial species of clover. Extent of Survey The survey covered all Canterbury as far north' as Parnassus and Waiau, and North Otago and Central Otago. The total number of farms from which details of sowings were obtained was 179. Of these. 28 are located in the region between Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers. 23 north of the Waimakariri river. 42 in Mid-Canterbury. 40 in South Canterbury. 29 in North Otago, and 17 in Central Otago. Subterranean clover was sown on practically all soil types varying from stony silts and sands to stiff clay loanis.. Though it was found growing on all these soil types, it was not so successful on the clays. Here the plants were smaller and did not show the same vigorous growth as was obtained on the lighter, freer soils. Climatic Conditions The clover was found growing well under fairly dry conditions —from an average rainfall of 20in upwards. The indications are that the Mount Barker may do quite well with a lower rainfall than this, though the use of the Dwalganup strain may possibly be preferable under a rainfall of about loin and lower. The Dwalganup variety was found in one instance _ growing well under an average rainfall of 12.11 in. „ The frost resistance of the subterranean clover was very good. Once the plant was established properly it was not injured by frosts up to 30 degrees, but heavy frosts were injurious to the plant in the seedling stage. This emphasises the importance of early sowing and the part that autumn rains play in the growth of the clover.

If the rains are very late the liability of the young plants to frost injury will consequently be much greater. It may also be noted here that the older plants appear to be liable to frost injury while in the flowering stage. Several instances were seen pt spring-sown stands being injured in this way while flowering in the late autumn and early winter. Many plants were killed completely and reseeding prevented. Seed Mixtures Seed mixtures varied greatly. In many cases subterranean clover was sown alone at the rate of 21b to 81b an acre, with or without a covering crop of oats. In most instances, however, the clover has been included in a mixture at the rate of 11b to 61b an acre. The most common seedings have been 2ib or 31b an acre. The other species of the mixture are predominantly ryegrass and red clover. Such low seedings as 11b to 21b cannot be recommended for general use in Canterbury. The aim should be to get a quick establishment, and for this purpose it would appear that 31b or 41b (preferably the latter) would be a satisfactory seeding. Tithe of Sowing The majority of sowings took place in the autumn (February, March.

April), though there were also many late spring sowings (October and November). Spring sowing cannot be recommended and should be avoided. The best time for the establishment of subterranean clover is the late summer and autumn. Some very satisfactory establishments have been obtained from December seedings. Further, some late November sowings in 1936 proved satisfactory, but sowing as early as this could not be generally recommended, as reseeding is liable to occur in the autumn or early winter. Autumn sowing is suitable throughout the great part of Canterbury and North Otago, except for the more elevated regions. By autumn is meant February, March, and April, but it would be preferable to have the seed in before April where possible. Best results are obtained when the clover has gained a good start before the winter. Under these conditions growth will be maintained right through the winter if the season is not too cold, and in the early spring the plants will begin to grow rapidly. Method of Sowing The actual method of sowing the clover varied very widely. In a great majority of cases it was included in a grass-seed mixture, with or without a crop, such as oats, turnips, rape. In eight instances it was sown alone with a covering crop of oats. Surface sowing on pasture has been tried in isolated cases. One farmer obtained satisfactory results from drilling 21b to 31b of the clover into old brown-top pastures. In 46 instances the clover was sown in a straight grass-seed mixture without any covering crop. Many farmers, however, found it more convenient and less expensive to sow down their grass with a crop, the subterranean clover being included in the grass-seed mixture. Of the areas visited. 88, or approximately half, were sown -in this way, 24 being laid down with rape. 20 with turnips, 43 with _ oats, and one with lupins. Drilling-in of the subterranean clover occurred more frequently than broadcasting—viz., 95 areas were drilled and 70 broadcast Different amounts of manure were sown with the seed, but the most common practice was to sow with lewt or one bag of superphosphate an acre. A mixture of equal parts superphosphate and lime was also frequently used. Depth of Seeding Regarding drilling and broadcasting, it would appear that either of these methods is satisfactory, provided they are carried out correctly. In general, results have been better where broadcasting has been practised, this being probably due mainly to drilling in too deeply in many instances where drilling was carried out. _ Further, if a heavy seeding of grass is drilled in with the subterranean clover the strong growth of the former is inclined to hold back the clover growth. It may be stated that broadcasting of both the grass and subterranean clover seed has given best results, in that strikes have been somewhat more consistent and a better cover has resulted. However, in some districts it appears that drilling gives a more reliable strike, due to liability of these parts to dry spells in the autumn. This method will give good results provided the seed is not drilled in too deeply. Good consolidation of the soil is an aid in preventing deep drilling. _ A factor in favour of drilling is sowing of the manure in contact with the seed

—this gives the young plants a better start. Results from drilling subterranean clover alone with oats have, in general, proved somewhat unsatisfactory, and in many cases poor strikes have resulted, due probably to drilling too deeply. Weight of Seeding It might be noted that a too heavy seeding of grass (especially Italian ryegrass) is liable to have a smothering effect on the clover in the early stages. More especially will this be so if the clover is drilled in with the grass, as a dense mat will be formed along the drills. A light seeding of grass, however. is beneficial both in providing shelter for the clover and also in giving a better pasture association. A bushel of perennial ryegrass and a few pounds of red clover would be suitable. A few pounds of cocksfoot could be added. This grass is sown by some farmers because it is less liable to attack from grass-grub. Subterranean clover has been found growing quite well in conjunction with cocksfoot. However, ryegrass is the grass of . chief importance and it is preferable to sow certified seed.

1938-39 WOOL SEASON

ROSTER OF SALE DATES

The following roster of sale dates for the 1938-39 season has been drawn up by the New Zealand Wool Committee: — November 26 (9 a.m.) —Auckland. December 2 (9 a.m.)— Napier. December 7 (9 a.m.) —Wellington. December 12 (9 a.m.) —Christchurch. December 16 (8 a.m.)— I Timaru. December 20 (9 a.m.) —Dunedin. January 9 (9 a.m.) —Wellington. January 14 (9 a.m.)— Napier. January 19 (9 a.m.)—Wanganui. January 24 (9 a.m.) —Auckland. January 30 (9 a.m.) —Christchurch. February 3 (2 p.m.)—lnvercargill. February 8 (9 a.m.)—Dunedin. February 15 (9 a.m.)— Wellington. February 20 (9 a.m.)— Napier. February 24 (2.30 p.m.),—Wanganui March 3 (9 a.m.)—Christchurch. March 7 (8 a.m.)—Timaru. March 11 (2 p.m.)—lnvercargill. March 16 (9 a.m.) —Dunedin. March 23 (9 a.m.)— Wellington. March 27 (9. a.m.)— Auckland. March 30 (2.30 p.m.)—Wanganui. April 3 (9 a.m.)— Napier. April 14 (9 a.m.)—Christchurch. April 19 (9 a.m.)—Dunedin. April 24 (9 a.m.) —Wellington.