Description

Balansa clover serves as an alternative to white and subterranean clovers in poor soil drainage and drought conditions with an excellent ability to suppress weeds. Reported to outproduce subterranean clover by 900% in saline/waterlogged areas, balansa clover will not cause bloat in grazing systems. Balansa clover is suitable for hay, silage, or green manure. A great alternative to white and subterranean clovers in poor soil drainage or drought conditions, balansa clover can produce more biomass at lower temperatures than most other clovers.

Growth Pattern

Growth Pattern

Growth Pattern

Balansa forms a 3-foot taproot with numerous offshoots that extend 30 – 35 inches deep. Balansa clover can reach up to 3 feet in height as well, and stems can reach more than 12 feet Balansa has a cylindrical flower head that is 1 – 2 ½ inches long with small white-pink florets. Leaves can have smooth or serrated edges and are hairless.

Interseeding

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Not Recommended

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Interseeding

Seeds/Lb: 500,000

Adaptation

Soil Conditions

Soil Conditions

Soil Conditions

With greater tolerance than crimson clover, balansa clover can also exhibit heat tolerance up to a maximum of 79°F – 82°F. The average annual rainfall should reach at least 12 inches. Balansa clover will grow on soils ranging from clay soils to sandy soils, with tolerance for water-logged soils and flooding. Salinity tolerance is between 3 – 5 dS/m.

Soil pH: 5.0 – 8.6

Growth

Growth

Growth

Optimum Growth Range: 45°F – 75°F

Establishment

Planting

Planting

Planting

Winter active with peak growth in mid-spring, balansa clover can be broadcast with fertilizer in low rainfall areas with little competition. Weed control will be necessary when grown as a monoculture.

Seeding Depth: ¼” – ½”

Monoculture: 5 – 8 Lb/A

Germination

Germination

Germination

Min Time To Emergence: 5 – 20 days

Ideal Temp: 65°F – 70°F

Management

Grazing

Grazing

Grazing

Rotationally graze balansa clover instead of continually stocking, but discontinue grazing during the flowering stage to avoid stand damage and extend the length of the stand. Heavy, close grazing is possible and will often increase tillering. Balansa clover typically does not cause bloat.

Earliest Time To Graze: 14 days – 21 days (light grazing during the first year)

Fertilizing

Fertilizing

Fertilizing

At Planting: 15 lb/A N – 25 lb/A N

During Grazing Season: Not Applicable

Hay/Silage

Hay/Silage

Hay/Silage

Timing: Early Bud Stage

Cuttings During Season: 1 – 2

Recovery

Recovery

Recovery

Minimum Graze Height: 2 ½”

Rest Period: 14+ days

Mixes

Mixes

Mixes

Grown best as a monoculture, Balansa Clover is not competitive and should not be sown with competitive plants. Balansa clover can still perform well with non-competitive plants such as perennial grasses and plantain. It is a useful addition to orchardgrass-sub clover pastures to add total legume content.

Yield

Yield

Yield

Tons of Dry Matter/A: 2.7 – 3

Considerations

A large amount of hard seed makes balansa clover well suited for reseeding itself in a long-term pasture.

Competition

Competition

Competition

Balansa Clover has an excellent ability to suppress weeds and compete with cool-season annual grasses once established.

Risks

Risks

Risks

Balansa Clover is a very low bloat risk. If animals are not pulled off of Balansa Clover during the flowering stage, not enough seed will be produced to maintain adequate stands.

Diseases

Diseases

Diseases

  • Root Rot
  • Pythium

Pests

Pests

Pests

  • Redlegged Earth Mite
  • Lucerne Flea
  • Aphids

Please Note:

All information provided is the result of research, our own experience, or the experiences shared by our customers.

We strongly encourage consulting additional resources before planting to ensure the best fit for your location and needs.