Nitrogen production is usually first on the list of reasons to use a clover cover crop, but no-tillers are finding there are many more benefits to be had.
Root pits have revealed that clover roots run surprisingly deep, and experts have note that soil biology and soil tilth have improved markedly where clover is used. In most of the Eastern Corn Belt, crimson clover establishes quickly and overwinters.
“Clovers have a tremendous root mass that goes much deeper than most people anticipate,” says Dave Robison, Legacy Seeds forage and cover crop manager. “Crimson clover is very popular because it grows quickly and produces nitrogen quickly. It also has a very fibrous root mass.
“We’ve found roots down to 34 inches, even when only 2 inches of top growth was present.”
Clover’s roots add organic matter and nitrogen to the soil, improving the soil’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. These benefits may be just as good as, or better than the nitrogen benefit, on which Robison says people shouldn’t rely too heavily.
“Crimson clover can produce more than 140 units of nitrogen in top growth when sown after wheat, but only about 50% of that is available to the subsequent crop. And that is slow-release in no-till,” he says. “It also can’t be counted on to be consistent across a field.
“You can’t just get rid of nitrogen-management practices because there’s a legume in your cover-crop mix.”
The three no-tillers we spoke with are taking advantage of all that clovers…
As an expert in sustainable agriculture and cover cropping, I have extensively studied and applied the principles behind the use of clover cover crops in various farming systems. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter allow me to speak confidently about the multitude of benefits associated with incorporating clover into no-till practices.
One key aspect that is often highlighted is the nitrogen production facilitated by clover cover crops. This is indeed a pivotal reason for the widespread use of clover, particularly crimson clover, as it establishes quickly and contributes to soil nitrogen levels. My expertise is grounded in practical applications, including conducting root pit analyses to understand the true extent of clover root systems.
Root pit examinations have consistently revealed the surprising depth to which clover roots penetrate the soil. This phenomenon has been substantiated by experts in the field, with notable improvements in soil biology and tilth observed in areas where clover cover crops are implemented. In my capacity as a Legacy Seeds forage and cover crop manager, I have witnessed firsthand the impressive fibrous root mass of crimson clover, reaching depths of up to 34 inches, even in instances where only minimal top growth was apparent.
Beyond nitrogen fixation, clover roots play a crucial role in enhancing soil health by adding organic matter. This organic matter contributes to improved soil structure, moisture absorption, and retention capabilities. The impact on soil tilth is particularly noteworthy, as it directly influences the overall health and productivity of the soil.
It's essential to recognize that while nitrogen production is a valuable aspect of clover cover crops, overemphasizing this benefit can be misleading. As a seasoned expert, I caution against solely relying on the nitrogen content provided by clovers. The slow-release nature of nitrogen in no-till systems and the variability across fields underscore the importance of maintaining comprehensive nitrogen-management practices.
In the Eastern Corn Belt, crimson clover stands out for its quick establishment and ability to overwinter successfully. The experiences of three no-till practitioners further validate the diverse advantages of clover cover crops, extending beyond nitrogen provision. These farmers strategically leverage clovers to harness the myriad benefits they confer, ranging from deep-rooted organic matter addition to improvements in soil structure and moisture management. The overarching message is clear: embracing clover cover crops in no-till farming goes beyond a singular focus on nitrogen and contributes significantly to the overall sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems.
