Ladino clover (Trifolium repens)
Ladino clover is widely adapted to imperfectly drained and well-drained soils, but not to deep and dry sandy soils. It persists about three years. Ladino clover is a rapid-growing perennial that spreads by fleshy, creeping stems that root at the nodes. It is a giant strain of white clover and it is more productive and more drought resistant than intermediate types of white clover. More than 50% of yield occurs from March to June, but it may grow some in each month. Annual yields are 3 to 4 tons per acre. Ladino clover will frequently volunteer successfully after the stand is thinned by prolonged drought, flooding, disease, insect infestation, or poor management. Ladino clover grows well with orchardgrass or tall fescue. It will thrive better with the less competitive orchardgrass or endophyte-free fescue. Ladino clover is extremely high quality (greater than 80% digestible and 25% crude protein) and maintains quality with maturity. Petioles are also very digestible. It contains high calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Ladino clover is primarily grown in mixture with adapted grasses for grazing, but mixtures also may be used for silage, hay, soil improvement, and wildlife. Get a soil test before planting. Ladino clover has medium to high lime, phosphorus, and potassium requirements.
Luginbuhl, J-M. 2006. Pastures for Meat Goats. In: Meat Goat Production Handbook, ed. T.A. Gipson, R.C. Merkel, K. Williams, and T. Sahlu, Langston University, ISBN 1-880667-04-5.
