22 CmCULAIl 178, U. S. DEPAKTMENT OE AGRICULTURE 



ALSIKE CLOVER 



This clover {TrifoliuTii hyhrlduni) has a shallo^v root system, with 

 noncreeping stems and occasionally attains a height as great as 3 

 feet. It is particularly adapted to wet and cold places and will not 

 withstand drought. Although in swales it will sometimes drive out 

 sedges and aquatic grasses, some preparation to reduce competition 

 is desirable before it is sown. Where drainage is improved, such 

 species as Kentuck}^ bluegrass will frequently invade the area and 

 eventually are apt to supplant part of the stand. The herbage of 

 alsike clover has a bitter taste and does not equal in palatability 

 that of either white or red clover ; nevertheless it is highly nutritious, 

 chemical analyses of the air-dried hay showing percentages of crude 

 protein varying from 10 to 13 per cent. It does not gather dust or 

 become diseased so readily as does red clover, nor does it appear 

 to cause bloat in livestock so readily as alfalfa and red clover. How- 

 ever, its exclusive use is known sometimes to cause ulcerations of 

 mouth, forelegs, and body in horses and mules, a condition known 

 as trifoliosis (iP), but there appears to be some evidence that this 

 disease is due rather to some fungus on the clover than to the host 

 plant itself. The seed has high viability. About 6 to 10 pounds of 

 seed per acre is used when it is sown pure, but it is best to use the 

 species in mixture. Details concerning proper mixtures for cul- 

 tivated pastures and hay are given elsewhere (^^). 



WHITE SWEETCLOVEE 



White sweetclover {Melilotus alha), sometimes called white meli- 

 lot, makes excellent pasture for cattle, sheep, and horses when the 

 animals have become accustomed to it. Originally the plant was 

 not considered as having much value because of the bitter taste 

 of the leaves and the tendency of the stems to become woody. How- 

 ever, livestock turned on to sweetclover pasture before more palatable 

 clovers and grasses are up will soon acquire a taste for the species. 

 If the pasture is kept grazed down fairly close the fresh leafage 

 Avill tend to remain palatable and the stems tender and succulent. 

 This species does not produce bloating so readily as alfalfa or red 

 clover. 



It has been demonstrated that sweetclover will thrive where the 

 rainfall is only three-fifths of that required for normal growth 

 of timothy and red clover (4). The species makes its best growth 

 where lime is present but is not exacting as to soil and does well in 

 compact soils with only enough stirring to get the seed covered. 

 Being a biennial, or sometimes annual, and dependent upon seed 

 for reproduction it will not survive after the second year where 

 the growing season is too short or too dry for the seed to mature. 

 Furthermore, although it is desirable to keep it grazed rather 

 closely, enough plants must be permitted to go to seed each j^ear to 

 maintain the stand. 



The species produces a very great amount of forage, as the plants 

 are many-stemmed and 2 to 6 or more feet high. It is a vigorous 

 grower, flowers throughout the growing season, and builds up the 

 soil through the addition of nitrates. It is often observed that 



