Berseem Clover

Trifolium alexandrinum, commonly known as berseem clover or Egyptian clover, emerges as a versatile annual forage legume prized for its multifaceted utility in agricultural systems. This clover, resembling alfalfa in appearance and forage quality, serves as a valuable asset in hay production, green chop, and as a green manure crop for soil improvement. Berseem clover’s flexibility extends to its suitability as a cover crop, where it excels in enhancing soil health and structure while providing valuable forage. Renowned for its high protein content, berseem clover presents an excellent grazing option for young livestock, offering nutritious forage during the critical growth stages. To maintain productivity, it is imperative that livestock consume berseem clover quickly to prevent blooming, as this could restrict regrowth potential. Notably, berseem clover is not known to cause bloat in grazing animals, adding to its appeal as a safe and nutritious forage option. Moreover, berseem clover demonstrates impressive nitrogen-fixing capabilities, with the potential to fix up to 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre. This not only benefits subsequent crops but also contributes to overall soil fertility and health when used as a green manure. With its diverse applications, nutritional value, and soil-enhancing properties, berseem clover emerges as a valuable component of sustainable agricultural systems.