TurboPlus Persian Clover

TurboPlus requires good base rates of phosphorus for maximum DM production especially during the establishment phase. Annual pasture paddocks will benefit from regular phosphorus and potassium applications if hay/silage is being produced.

TurboPlus has a very small seed and should be sown at between 4-10 kg/ha in dryland situations in mid-late autumn, or up to 10-15kg/ha under irrigation as early as February. When sown as a component of a mix, the rate can be reduced to 2-4 kg/ha. Inoculation with Group C strain of rhizobia is essential for nodulation and nitrogen fixation.

As TurboPlus is soft seeded it can germinate if a summer rain event occurs, then die in subsequent dry conditions, so it normally will require resowing each year.

Monitor regularly during emergence for insect damage from pests such as red-legged earth mite (RLEM), aphids and lucerne flea and spray if required. TurboPlus is highly resistant to leaf disease, especially rust. Persian clover is highly tolerant of clover scorch and resistant to subterranean clover rootrot.

TurboPlus is very competitive as both a seedling and established plant, so make sure your sowing rates aid this competitive nature. Always use knockdown herbicide to ensure you are sowing into a clean seedbed. Monitor for post-emergent weeds and spray as required. Always consult your Upper Murray Seeds agronomist prior to spraying as herbicide tolerances can differ between persian clover varieties.

Do not graze TurboPlus until the plant is well anchored and root depth is established. Carry out a quick in-paddock ‘grab test’ by hand to ensure stock cannot pull plants out of the ground. TurboPlus persian clover recovers well from grazing providing it is allowed to attain complete ground cover before being re-grazed.

TurboPlus is commonly used in high density legume mixes for high-protein feed, and produces hay with a high feed value.

Make sure you follow the normal bloat minimisation procedures. Sowing persian clover in a mixture with tetraploid ryegrass or oats will reduce the risk of bloat. Although some varieties claim not to cause bloat, care should be taken where persian clover forms a large proportion of the feed base.

To optimise livestock weight gain and health, ensure livestock are vaccinated and drenched. To prevent nutritional problems, make gradual diet changes when introducing hungry stock to lush pastures. Contact an Upper Murray Seeds agronomist for more information.