SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 67, 11 December 1937, Page 16

SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER

Which is the Best Variety? AUSTRALIAN OPINION A question frequently arises amongst subterranean clover growers concerning the best variety of the clover to sow. Mount Barker lias been the one recommended and generally used, and it would seem from an authoritative opinion published in an Australian farm page, the choice is the best one. The writer observes that Mount Barker is the mid-season strain, which forms the great bulk of the seed in cpmmerce. In a normal season this strain begins flowering at about midSeptember. in favourable seasons both autumn and spring growths are very good, runner formation is rapid, and seed is set plentifully. This strain has proved of outetanding merit in all districts where favourable rains fall from April to November, and has given good results in some districts with a lower rainfall than that usually considered necessarv.

The Tallarook strain has been developed in Victoria during recent years, and takes its name from the district where it was first found. it is a late strain, characterised by a more upright and leafy habit of growth than ofhers. Afc Tallarook it is found principally on the moist and fertile river in view of the fact that the charactex of the plant does not change or is not where the rainfall is. 30 incbes or higher. The selection of a suitable variety is a matter of great importance, tiats. It is also known to do very well in the central highlands ,o£ Victoria, affected b.v environment. For instance, if seed of the various strains should be mixed. it would inevitablv happer. that the strain most suited to the conditions would oversliadow the others. A farmer ordering seed should make up liis mind which strain is likely to be best suited to the soil and rainfall conditions, and to specify the strain required. For districts of higher rainfall the Tallarook strain is recommended. It wil] give from four to six weeks' more) green grazing than mid-season strains, and has the advantage wben cut for hay that it is ready later in the season when better hay-making conditions prevail.