''Trifolium alexandrinum'' (Egyptian clover, berseem clover) is an annual

clover Clover or trefoil are common names for plants of the genus ''Trifolium'' (from Latin ''tres'' 'three' + ''folium'' 'leaf'), consisting of about 300 species of flowering plants in the legume or pea family Fabaceae originating in Europe. The genus ...

cultivated mostly in irrigated sub-tropical regions, and used as leguminous crop. It is an important winter crop in Egypt, where it may have been cultivated since ancient times, and was introduced into northern India in the early nineteenth century. It is also grown in the United States, Europe, China and Australia. The plant reaches tall with erect or ascending stems. There are two types of berseem clover, single-cut and multi-cut. Single-cut varieties, like 'Balady', feature a high growing point and have poor recovery once harvested. Multi-cut varieties, like 'Frosty', feature a lower growing point allowing for multiple harvests from a single sowing. Berseem clover is generally frost-sensitive and should be planted only after potential for frost has passed. The exception is 'Frosty' berseem clover which was developed by Grassland Oregon, Inc. and released in 2016. This variety is capable of surviving temperatures as low as . Forage Berseem clover is capable of producing up to 8 tons of forage in a single growing season. Berseem clover is similar in forage quality to that of

alfalfa Alfalfa () (''Medicago sativa''), also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world. It is used for grazing, hay, and silage, as ...

. Green manure Berseem clover can also be used as a

cover crop In agriculture, cover crops are plants that are planted to cover the soil rather than for the purpose of being harvested. Cover crops manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife in ...

suppressing weeds or as a green manure crop providing nitrogen to following crops. As a

green manure In agriculture, a green manure is a crop specifically produced to be incorporated into the soil while still green. Typically, the green manure's biomass is incorporated with a plow or disk, as is often done with (brown) manure. The primary goal ...

crop, berseem is capable of providing as much as 280 lbs./acre of nitrogen to following crops.

Berseem as fodder

Berseem provides highly nutritious and tasty fodder for livestock in winter season in repeated cuttings. It contains 17% crude protein, 25.9% crude fiber and 60-65% TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients) content. Berseem needs a mild temperature to germinate and further establishment. Its growth is restricted during severe cold or frosty weather. It grows well on medium to heavy soils and resists salinity.

References

External links

Berseem clover - State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2007
alexandrinum Fodder Flora of Egypt Flora of Sinai Flora of Palestine (region) Flora of Iraq Flora of the Gulf States Flora of Iran Flora of Pakistan Plants described in 1755 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus {{Trifolieae-stub