Birdsfoot Trefoil
Birdsfoot trefoil is a perennial forage legume that is well adapted to the north-central states. It can be used for both pasture and hay production. However, most of the hay production is as baleage or silage. BFT is well adapted to poorly drained or acidic soils. It should be strongly considered in areas where alfalfa cannot be grown; however, it will not tolerate extended periods of standing water. BFT requires good management to reach its full potential. It requires a rest period of 40-45 days between harvests and some leaf area must be left to encourage regrowth. An ideal stubble height is 4.5”. Another interesting trait of BFT is that livestock will not bloat on it, unlike other forage legumes. Trefoil also maintains forage quality from first bloom through seed production. This provides a longer harvest window. It can be slow to establish, but once established it will provide for a lifetime. The different varieties of trefoil have different growth characteristics, which are important to variety selection.
Plant type: Perennial Legume
Planting dates: March–April or Aug–Sept
Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
Soil adaption: Poorly drained, low pH soils
Planting depth: 1/8”–1/4”
Approximate seeds/lb: 400,000
Seeding rate: 6–12 lbs/A 3–5 lbs/A mix
Days to germination: 14
Main Usage: Pasture, hay
Height at maturity: 2’–4’
Length of stand: 4–8 years
Reproduces by: Seed
Pounds per bushel: 60
Precautions: Requires inoculant
5# Bags