Key facts
- White clover can reduce chemical nitrogen inputs by 150-180 kg N/ha in mixed swards.
- Optimal white clover content for benefits is 20-30%.
- Increased daily live weight gain can be achieved in cattle and sheep grazed on mixed swards.
- White clover fixes nitrogen from the air through rhizobium bacteria in root nodules.
- Successful establishment requires good soil fertility, pH of 6.5, and target phosphorus and potassium indices of 2+.
The volatility in chemical fertiliser supply and price, coupled with environmental concerns, has spurred renewed interest in alternative methods for improving grassland productivity. White clover offers a natural solution by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, thereby reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilisers. This not only benefits the environment by lowering nitrogen runoff but also enhances the nutritional quality of forage for livestock, potentially leading to improved animal performance and reduced input costs for farmers.