CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser Nigel Gould has set out how white clover can be incorporated into grassland on Northern Ireland beef and sheep farms.

Mixed white clover and grass swards managed at 20-30% clover content can reduce chemical nitrogen use by 150-180 kg N/ha while maintaining grass yields. This reduction equals 4.4-5.3 bags of CAN fertiliser per hectare, valued at £101-£122 per hectare at current prices.

Clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules and releases it for grass uptake. Higher daily liveweight gains have been recorded in both cattle and sheep grazing mixed swards, linked to increased intake, digestibility and protein levels.

Successful establishment is achieved through full reseed, stitching-in or broadcasting, provided soil moisture is adequate and the existing sward is suppressed beforehand. Target soil pH is 6.5 with phosphorus and potassium indices of 2+.

Small-leaved varieties suit sheep grazing, medium-leaved varieties suit cattle grazing or rotational sheep systems, and large-leaved varieties suit silage or rotational cattle grazing.

Rotational grazing allows clover recovery and stolon spread. Continuous heavy grazing or high nitrogen rates can reduce clover persistence. Farmers are advised to consult their local CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser and to attend the Beef Conference farm visits on 10 June.