TITLE:
White (Trifolium repens L.) and Arrowleaf (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi) Clover Emergence in Varying Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Tree Alley Spacings
AUTHORS:
Taylor C. Adams, Dirk Philipp, David M. Burner, John Jennings, Becky Mc Peake, Amanda J. Ashworth, Daniel H. Pote, Joan M. Burke, Robert Rhein
KEYWORDS:
White Clover, Arrowleaf Clover, Dry Matter Yield, Seedling Count, Agroforestry
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.10 No.4,
April
26,
2019
ABSTRACT: Agroforestry systems have the potential to provide
year-long income opportunities via the integrated forage or crop, timber, and
livestock. Legumes are an attractive alternative option during the growing
season when more traditional forages may not be as productive. The objective of
this study was to test the establishment of arrowleaf and white clover grown
under varying pine tree alley widths. In 2011, existing forage was removed in
15-yr old loblolly pine tree row alleys of different widths (3.7, 4.9, 7.3, and
9.8 m), including an open area. Arrowleaf, as an annual, was replanted in 2012.
Seedlings were counted twice/year, while dry matter was measured three
times/year. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was measured in all alley
widths to compare light penetration through the canopy. Hot and dry conditions
occurred throughout 2012, affecting results. In 2012 and 2013, the greatest PAR
for most treatments was observed in June. Seedling counts for all treatments
were greatest immediately after establishment, and gradually declined
throughout the course of the study. Dry matter yields increased throughout the
growing season, and were greatest in arrowleaf clover in the open area on all
measurement dates; however,
increased weed pressure and repeated flooding affected yields. This study
demonstrated that clover establishment in shady wooded areas is possible, but
only under suitable environmental conditions.