Balansa clover is a fall-seeded nitrogen-fixing annual legume, capable of producing 200 lbs./acre of N or more, depending on the amount of biomass present at termination.
Seeding Rate (lbs. / acre)
- Drill: 5-8
- Broadcast: 8-10
- In a mix: 3-5
– Planting depth: 1/8”–1/4”
– Approximate seeds/lb: 500,000 (coated)
– Days to germination: 7
Balansa Clover Benefits & Info
- Big-time fall root growth with explosive above-ground spring growth potential, depending on spring temps and length of growing time
- Biomass can yield up to 200 lbs. of N/acre
- Adaptable across a wide range of soils
- Beneficial for weed suppression and nutrient leaching
- Accepts later plantings in fall (vs. other clovers); lower seeding rate than crimson clover
- Mixes well with cereal rye and fall triticale
- The hollow stem allows for termination by roller crimper
- Drought tolerant and suitable for low pH environments (4.5–8.0)
- Great pollinator option
- Shown to be a non-host to soybean cyst nematode (SBN)
- WATCH OUT – balansa can be a prolific re-seeder; terminate or graze before flowering to lower risk
The above photos are from November 25 – seeded October 1.
Forage Considerations
- There is a lot of potential spring biomass
- Hollow stems improve palatability and hay drying
Ewing Demo Trial
October 12 planting date. April 22 harvest. 214 days after planting.
- FIXationN Balansa Clover = 96,154 lbs./acre of green biomass
- Frosty Berseem Clover = 47,773 lbs./acre of green biomass
- Kentucky Pride Crimson Clover = 18,421 lbs./acre of green biomass
- Dixie Crimson Clover = 5,162 lbs./acre of green biomass
* Trial info used with permission.
I like Balansa clover because of its cold tolerance. It is slow to grow in the fall, staying very close to the ground. This is how it protects itself from harsh winter. It is putting all of its energy into the roots. I like to pair it with a cereal grain, preferably oats. The oats give you the ground coverage you want in the fall, and once they are terminated, the Balansa is there for the spring. It is easy to manage in the spring and I have had great luck no-tilling into the stand come May. It is one of the few legumes I’d feel comfortable seeding late into the season.
Sarah Houin, Agronomist