Clover Balansa – per kg

Balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum), known locally as balansaklawer, is a valuable annual, self-regenerating legume in South African agriculture, It is widely used in these areas as a cover crop and high-quality forage for livestock, thriving in regions receiving more than 350 mm of annual rainfall. Farmers appreciate its ability to fix significant amounts of nitrogen and produce substantial winter/spring dry matter, with potential yields of up to 8 tons of dry matter per hectare.

This versatile clover is well-adapted to the Cape’s diverse soil types, including sandy and waterlogged conditions, and a wide pH range of 5.2 to 8.0, though it is unsuited to deep infertile sands or soils with high free lime content. Its physical structure includes a deep taproot that helps break up soil compaction and improve water infiltration, which is a major advantage in managing soil health.

For livestock management in South Africa, Balansa clover offers high-protein, highly digestible forage, making it ideal for mixed or monoculture pastures. Its hard-seeded nature is a crucial trait, enabling excellent natural regeneration after harsh summers or cropping phases. To ensure a robust seed bank for future seasons, grazing needs to be deferred during the flowering period. Common cultivars available in the country include ‘Common’ and ‘Paradana’, with ‘Enduro’ (now Enduromax) being a South African selection known for its early flowering and excellent winter production. Planting typically occurs in April and May, with recommended seeding rates of 2-4 kg/ha when in mixtures.