General Comments

Crimson clover is a southern-US adapted clover that typically winter kills but may, in a warm winter, survive in Wisconsin.  Crimson is slightly more tolerant of dry conditions than berseem, but is more sensitive to lower pH.

For fall forage potential, expect 0.5-1 ton of dry matter per acre.

A 30-50 lbs N nitrogen credit is possible for a subsequent crop.However, growth and N accumulation may be limited under dry conditions

Plant annual legumes July 15 to August 15 in southern WI, or until August 5 in the north.

Planting specifications

Seeding rate: 15-20 lbs per-acre alone

Depth: ¼ inch.

Innoculate with Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii (R. trifolii).

Management and termination

None typically needed, will winter kill in most Wisconsin winters

In a cover crop mix

After wheat: Crimson can be mixed with any of the small grain cover crops: 8-10 lbs with 30 lbs per-acre oats or barley.

Research in Wisconsin

This study explored using Berseem and Crimson Clovers after winter wheat.