Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) is an annual clover cultivated mostly in irrigated subtropical regions and used as a leguminous crop. It's an important winter crop in Egypt, where it may have been cultivated since ancient times, and was introduced into northern India in the early nineteenth century.
Here are some of the key characteristics of berseem clover:
Growth habit: An erect, annual legume growing up to 4 feet tall.
Leaves: Trifoliate with oblong, hairless leaflets.
Flowers: Round and white to yellowish-white, blooming in late spring to early summer.
Roots: Fibrous root system that reaches a depth of 4 to 6 inches.
Uses: Provides fast-growing biomass and nitrogen fixation when sown in warm soils. It is used for:
Zero grazing or hay making
Short term soil improving green manure
Chopped forage
Deer food plots (especially in warm climates)
Benefits of Berseem Clover:
Nitrogen fixation: Like other legumes, berseem clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and benefiting other plants.
Fast-growing: Berseem clover establishes quickly, providing benefits early in the season.
High-quality forage: Berseem clover is a nutritious food source for livestock and deer.
Weed suppression: Berseem clover can help suppress weeds in the field.
Things to Consider When Planting Berseem Clover:
Climate: Berseem clover is not very winter hardy. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to consider planting a more winter-hardy clover variety.
Soil type: Berseem clover prefers well-drained soil.
Planting goals: If you are planting berseem clover for deer food plots, you will need to plant a different variety than if you are planting it for cover crop or green manure.