Figure 3. — Crimson clover provides an abundance of early spring grazing. 



and tough. When it is grazed continuously or when it is fed as hay 

 at this stage large masses of the hairs are liable to form into hair balls 

 in stomachs of horses and mules, occasionally with fatal results. If 

 small quantities of other feeds, particularly roughages, are fed along 

 with the clover, the formation of these balls will be reduced. Cattle, 

 sheep, and swine do not seem to be affected. 



Crimson clover makes excellent hay when cut at the early-bloom 

 stage, although the yield may be slightly reduced. For best yields it 

 should be harvested in full bloom. The hay is easily cured either in 

 the swath or in the windrow. Fewer leaves are lost and less bleach- 

 ing occurs in windrowed hay. Although yields as high as 2% tons 

 per acre are not uncommon on fertile soil, 1% to 2 tons is the usual 

 harvest. 



Crimson clover is an ideal green-manure crop. For best results it 

 should be plowed under 2 to 3 weeks before the succeeding crop is 

 planted. This gives enough time for decomposition, which is rapid 

 unless the crop is ripe when turned under. Occasionally strips are 

 plowed in which row crops are to be planted, allowing the clover 

 between the plowed strips to mature. Seed may be harvested by 

 hand from the clover between the row crops, and the remaining 

 clover straw allowed to mat and serve as a mulch, or the entire plant 

 may be permitted to form a mulch. 



Crimson clover may be made into silage by the same methods as 

 are used for other legumes and grasses. In orchards it is often al- 

 lowed to mature, after which it is disked into the soil. A volunteer 

 stand from shattered seed may be obtained in fall by using the Dixie 

 variety. 



Seed Production 



Crimson clover is a heavy seed-producing plant, and yields of 5 

 to 10 bushels per acre are common, depending upon the thickness of 

 the stand, the extent of growth produced, and the care used in harvest- 

 ing the seed. The florets are self-fertile, but bees increase the num- 

 ber of seed per head by tripping and transferring the pollen. Placing 

 colonies of honeybees next to blooming fields will increase pollination. 



