Clover is a highly valued perennial legume for wildlife food plots, providing high-quality forage attractive to deer and other animals across multiple seasons. It offers exceptional nutritional value, especially high protein content, supporting deer health and antler growth. Establishing a successful clover plot requires precise planting and management, starting with determining the correct quantity of seed. The amount of clover seed needed per acre depends on the specific variety chosen and the method of application, forming the foundation for a dense, long-lasting stand.
Standard Seeding Rates Based on Clover Type
The required pounds of clover seed per acre varies depending on the specific type of clover chosen, which relates to seed size and plant growth habit. For pure stands of perennial white clovers, such as Ladino or White Dutch, the recommended broadcast rate is typically 5 to 8 pounds per acre. These small-seeded varieties spread aggressively through horizontal stems called stolons once established.
Medium Red Clover, a biennial or short-lived perennial, has a larger seed size and a different growth structure, requiring a heavier seeding rate. When planting a pure stand of red clover, the broadcast rate generally falls between 15 and 18 pounds per acre for optimal density. This higher rate accounts for the larger seed volume and the plant’s upright growth habit.
For annual varieties like Crimson Clover, which provide quick growth, a broadcast seeding rate of approximately 25 pounds per acre is standard. These rates are for planting into a prepared seedbed under ideal conditions. Using the appropriate rate ensures enough viable seed is present to outcompete weeds and form a thick canopy.
Essential Soil Preparation for Optimal Germination
Successful clover establishment depends on meticulous soil preparation, focusing on both chemistry and physical condition. Clover is a sensitive legume that requires a specific soil pH (6.0 to 7.0) to thrive and effectively fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Testing the soil is the fundamental first step, providing the current pH level and identifying nutrient deficiencies. If the soil test reveals a pH below the optimal range, agricultural lime must be applied to raise the pH. Acidic soils lock up essential nutrients, rendering applied fertilizer unavailable to the plant roots.
Raising the pH often requires applying one to two tons of agricultural lime per acre, which should be done months before planting since lime takes time to react. After soil chemistry is addressed, the physical seedbed needs preparation, usually involving disking or tilling. This action breaks up clumps and removes competing vegetation, leaving a firm, fine seedbed that is then compacted with a cultipacker to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Modifying Seeding Rates Based on Application Method and Mixes
Standard seeding rates must be adjusted based on the application method and whether the clover is planted alone or in a mixed plot. When using a specialized seed drill, which places seed precisely at a consistent, shallow depth, the seeding rate can be significantly lowered. Drilling typically allows for a reduction of 25% to 40% compared to broadcasting because seed-to-soil contact is improved and seed waste is minimized.
The seeding rate should also be reduced when clover is planted in a mixed plot alongside a nurse crop or other perennial species. Nurse crops, such as oats or wheat, are fast-growing annual grains that protect slow-establishing clover seedlings from harsh weather and weed pressure. However, if sown at their full rate, these nurse crops can outcompete the clover for sunlight and moisture.
To mitigate competition, the clover seeding rate in a mix is often halved, dropping from 8 pounds per acre down to 4 to 6 pounds per acre. The nurse crop’s seeding rate should also be significantly reduced (by 50% to 66%) to prevent a dense canopy that smothers the clover seedlings. This strategic reduction ensures the clover receives enough light to establish itself as the dominant perennial crop after the annual nurse crop dies off.
Maintaining the Clover Plot
Once the clover plot is successfully germinated, ongoing maintenance is necessary to promote perennial growth and ensure a dense, productive stand for multiple years. Mowing is a primary management tool, typically performed when the clover reaches six to eight inches or when weeds begin to flower. Setting the mower deck high (five to six inches) clips off competing weed tops and encourages the clover’s horizontal growth by stimulating stolon production.
Weed control is a continuous effort. While mowing suppresses broadleaf weeds, a grass-selective herbicide is often necessary to remove perennial grasses. Products containing active ingredients like clethodim or sethoxydim target grasses without harming the broadleaf clover plants.
Fertilization after establishment should focus exclusively on phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), completely avoiding nitrogen (N). As a legume, clover naturally fixes its own nitrogen; adding more nitrogen only benefits competing weeds and grasses, causing them to outgrow the clover. A soil test every two to three years will guide the application of a fertilizer blend, such as 0-20-20, to replenish consumed nutrients and support long-term health.