Using Companion Legumes in Summer-Dormant Tall Fescue Pastures in the Southeastern USA Coastal Plain

Abstract

This study compared the productivity and reseeding of various temperate legume species under grazing simulation and identified potential companion legumes for summer-dormant tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire] in the southeastern USA coastal plain. Legumes were seeded in 1.8 × 5.0-m plots in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The vetches (Vicia spp.), rose clover (Trifolium hirtum All.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and caley pea (Lathyrushirsutus L.) had the greatest seedling density (P < 0.05) 120 days after establishment. Post-grazing regrowth was superior (P < 0.05) in the annual clover species as compared to the annual medics (Medicago spp.) and sweet clovers (Melilotus alba Desr.). Only ball clover (Trifolium nigrescens Viv.), crimson clover, ‘AK996’ subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), and ‘Durana’ white clover (Trifolium repens L.) had stands greater than 50% in the second year. Tall fescue yield was greatest (P < 0.05) when interseeded with white clover in the second year. Annual medics, sweet clovers, and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) were poorly adapted to this environment. Ball, crimson, rose, and arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi) were the most productive and persistent legumes in this study.